NCPO:Military cooperation between Thailand and US, Europe, Australia remains normal

BANGKOK, July 4 (TNA) - The National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) has confirmed normal military cooperation between Thailand and the United States, European countries and Australia. NCPO Deputy Spokesman Colonel Winthai Suvaree made the confirmation on Friday, noting that military cooperation on several programs between Thailand and the United States, European countries and Australia have been carried on as usual. Colonel Winthai also pointed out that official meetings between US Ambassador to Thailand Kristie A. Kenney and the Royal Thai Armed Forces were also held recently within appropriate frameworks. The NCPO deputy spokesman's remarks followed a reception organised by the US Embassy to Thailand at the Conrad Hotel in Bangkok on Thursday evening to celebrate the 238th Independence Anniversary of the United States, in which NCPO authorities were not invited to join. The NCPO spokesman expressed understanding for the US decision, saying that each country may have different norms of practice in social and public gatherings. The US Embassy in Bangkok invited guests from several sectors, including political figures from the Pheu Thai Party and the Democrat Party, as well as senior government and independent bodies' officials, business operators, academics, activists and journalists, to attend Thursday evening's celebrating event. (TNA)