U.S. cancels Thailand military exercises, visit

WASHINGTON – The Pentagon has canceled ongoing military exercises with Thailand and an upcoming visit by a top Navy official as a result of the military coup in the Southeast Asian country.

“While we have enjoyed a long and productive military-to-military relationship with Thailand, our own democratic principles and U.S. law require us to reconsider U.S. military assistance and engagements,” Pentagon press secretary Rear Adm. John Kirby said Saturday.

About 700 U.S. troops were participating in the annual naval exercises, which include sailors, marines, ships and aircraft.

Kirby said the Pentagon was canceling the June visit of U.S. Pacific Fleet Commander Admiral Harry Harris to Thailand and is withdrawing the invitation to the commander general of the Royal Thai Armed Forces to visit U.S. Pacific Command in June.

Associated Press