Thai military coup draws concern, criticism

THAILAND: Thailand's army chief vowed on Wednesday to clean up the country's political landscape and return "power to the people" as soon as possible after a bloodless coup against Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra. Following are some reactions to the country's first coup in 15 years.

*****************

AUSTRALIAN FOREIGN MINISTER ALEXANDER DOWNER

"It's unacceptable for the military just to overthrow a government in this way," he told Australian Broadcasting Corp. radio.

"It is of grave concern to us that the government has been overthrown in this way."

*****************

NEW ZEALAND PRIME MINISTER HELEN CLARK

"New Zealand condemns any process which seeks to overturn a government by unconstitutional and undemocratic means. New Zealand urges all political and military players to resolve their differences peacefully, and to act in accordance with Thailand's constitution and democratic principles."

*****************

JAPAN FOREIGN MINISTER TARO ASO

"Our country will closely watch the progress of the situation with grave interest.

"Our country strongly hopes that the situation will become normal and a democratic political structure will be restored swiftly."

*****************

MALAYSIAN PRIME MINISTER ABDULLAH AHMAD BADAWI

"I am really shocked, I didn't expect a coup would have taken place in Thailand," he was quoted as telling reporters in New York by state news agency Bernama.

He said Malaysians should consider deferring planned visits to Thailand if martial law or a curfew was declared there.

"If there is chaos, then don't go. But if the situation is under control, and if the authorities have assured businessmen for example, or anyone at all that they can go, then it should not be a problem."

*****************

INDONESIA FOREIGN MINISTRY STATEMENT

"As a fellow member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), the Government of Indonesia expects that the principles of democracy, which is an important element of the ASEAN Community thus agreed upon by all member states, would be further upheld.

The Government of the Republic of Indonesia further hopes that the political crisis in Thailand could be resolved amicably and democratically for the greater interest of the people of Thailand."

Bangkok, Wednesday, Reuters