The United States envoy to Thailand, W Patrick Murphy, yesterday reaffirmed his country's close ties with Thailand but called for a swift return to democracy.
Murphy: Thailand remains an ally
Mr Murphy was making his first comments after he was summoned by Deputy Foreign Minister Don Pramudwinai on Wednesday.
Reacting on his official Twitter account, Mr Murphy said he met Mr Don to discuss issues related to the recent visit and remarks by US Assistant Secretary of States for East Asian and Pacific Affairs Daniel Russel on civil liberties and fairness.
Mr Murphy insisted the US emphasises that Thailand remains an ally and that it will continue to cooperate closely on significant issues as well as being committed to the Thai people.
"We will continue to urge the Thai government to take the necessary steps to bring the country back to democracy," he said.
"We don't take sides," Mr Murphy added.
US State Department spokeswoman Jen Psaki said during a press briefing on Wednesday that Thailand is still a valued friend and ally but Mr Russel had reiterated the US points of view regarding the importance of freedom of expression, the lifting of martial law and perceptions of political fairness.