The National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) has clarified to the international community why the military intervention is a necessity under the current political circumstances, after the United States announced its cancellation of US-Thailand engagements.
NCPO spokesman Winthai Suvaree said the reasons for the military seizure were conveyed to foreign countries via military attaches and through the Foreign Ministry.
The three reasons are: Thailand's situation differs from other countries; the military has clear reasons to justify the seizure of power; and democratic rulings caused losses of lives.
According to Col Winthai, the military seeks to remind other nations that they need to see "the whole picture" instead of just one incident and that the military has always supported democracy.
Meanwhlile, two people with red-shirt ties yesterday reported to the Senanarong army camp in Songkhla's Hat Yai district.
Suban Suwannarat and Chamlaeng Mongkolnisapakul are among 13 red-shirt leaders summoned by the coup-makers. The duo is part of a network covering Songkhla, Satun and Phatthalung provinces.
In a statement released yesterday by the Office of the Spokesperson, it said it cancelled a US government-sponsored firearms training program in Thailand for the Royal Thai Police that had been slated to begin today, as well as a US government-sponsored study trip to the United States, scheduled for June, for several senior Royal Thai Police officers that would have included visits to FBI facilities.
Earlier yesterday, Pentagon Press Secretary Rear Admiral John Kirby stated that: "It is important that the Royal Thai Armed Forces end this coup and restore to the people of Thailand both the principles and the process of democratic rule, including a clear path forward to elections."
The statement also said it cancelled three events: the Exercise Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training 2014; US Pacific Fleet Commander Admiral Harry Harris' June visit to Thailand; and the invitation to Royal Thai Armed Forces Commander General Tanasak to visit US Pacific Command in June.