Head of US Pacific Command urges democracy in Thailand

SATTAHIP / AP

The highest-ranking US official to visit Thailand since a 2014 coup urged the country to restore democracy while reaffirming the partnership between the two nations, saying Tuesday that America needs “a strong and stable ally” in Southeast Asia.
Adm. Harry B. Harris, the head of the U.S. Pacific Command, spoke at the start of the annual Cobra Gold Thai-US joint military exercises, the largest in the Asia-Pacific region. “We look forward to Thailand’s reemergence as a flourishing democracy because we need Thailand as a strong and stable ally,” Harris said. “We need Thailand to get back to being the regional and global leader that it always has been.” But even as he asked Thai leaders to step up, he made it clear the US remains committed to the countries’ military relationship. Harris’ visit, planned under the Obama administration, is widely seen as a signal that the US will continue to back Thailand.
“Folks, our alliance is a big deal,” Harris said. “Nations don’t enter security treaty alliances lightly. It means we’re in it for the long haul.” Twenty-nine countries, including China, India and Malaysia, are participating in or observing the exercises. Some 3,600 American troops are attending this year, hundreds more than last year.