WASHINGTON: The United States on Wednesday criticized a Thai court’s dissolution of the main opposition party, saying it ran against democracy in the longtime US ally.
The State Department said it was “deeply concerned” by the decision on the Move Forward Party which “disenfranchises the more than 14 million Thais” who voted for it.
“The Constitutional Court’s decision also jeopardizes Thailand’s democratic progress and runs counter to the aspirations of the Thai people for a strong, democratic future,” State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said.
“As a close ally and friend with deep and enduring ties, we urge Thailand to take actions to ensure fully inclusive political participation, and to protect democracy and the freedoms of association and expression,” he said.
The European Union also criticized the decision, which also bans from politics Thailand’s most popular politician, Pita Limjaroenrat.
Senator Ben Cardin, head of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, had earlier warned Thailand against dissolution of the party.
The State Department said it was “deeply concerned” by the decision on the Move Forward Party which “disenfranchises the more than 14 million Thais” who voted for it.
“The Constitutional Court’s decision also jeopardizes Thailand’s democratic progress and runs counter to the aspirations of the Thai people for a strong, democratic future,” State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said.
“As a close ally and friend with deep and enduring ties, we urge Thailand to take actions to ensure fully inclusive political participation, and to protect democracy and the freedoms of association and expression,” he said.
The European Union also criticized the decision, which also bans from politics Thailand’s most popular politician, Pita Limjaroenrat.
Senator Ben Cardin, head of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, had earlier warned Thailand against dissolution of the party.