THAILAND COUP: PROPOSED STATEMENT REGARDING

C O N F I D E N T I A L BANGKOK 005800 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 09/19/2016 TAGS: PGOV PHUM TH SUBJECT: THAILAND COUP: PROPOSED STATEMENT REGARDING POSSIBLE USG SANCTIONS Classified By: Ambassador Ralph L. Boyce, reason 1.4 (b) (d) 1.(U) This is an action request. Please see para 2. ¶2. (C) Septel discusses post proposals for the suspension of US assistance pursuant to section 508 of the Foreign Operations Appropriations Act in response to the September 19th coup. ACTION REQUEST: As soon as Washington reaches a decision on post proposals, we suggest that the following statement be issued. ¶3. (SBU) BEGIN PROPOSED TEXT: In response to the military coup in Thailand, the United States is suspending assistance to the Thai government in a variety of areas, including military assistance. ¶4. (SBU) We note the stated commitment of the Council for Democratic Reform Under the Monarchy (CDRM) to set up a civilian government within two weeks. We urge that democratic elections be held as soon as possible. ¶5. (SBU) We believe the Thai people are capable of resolving their political differences in a peaceful manner and in accordance with the principles of democracy and rule of law. END PROPOSED TEXT. BOYCE