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“THAILAND DEMOCRACY ACT OF 2007” mentioning the U.S. Dept of State was published in the Extensions of Remarks section on pages E1092 on May 17, 2007.
The publication is reproduced in full below:
THAILAND DEMOCRACY ACT OF 2007
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HON. MARK STEVEN KIRK
of illinois
in the house of representatives
Thursday, May 17, 2007
Mr. KIRK. Madam Speaker, on September 19, 2006, the Thai military and police overthrew the elected government of Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra. At the time, the popularly-elected premier was in New York City for a meeting of the United Nations General Assembly.
General Boonyaratkalin, leader of the military coup, suspended the constitution and dissolved the Cabinet, both houses of Parliament, and the Constitutional Court.
The Department of State immediately issued a statement saying,
``There's no justification for a military coup in Thailand or in anyplace else . . . we certainly are extremely disappointed by this action. It's a step backward for democracy in Thailand.''
Following the military coup, the United States suspended $24 million in bilateral assistance to the Thai government.
Now eight months after the military coup, despite promises by the military leaders to the contrary, Thailand still has not drafted a permanent constitution, held a referendum, or called for elections.
In addition, Thailand seized American patents in clear violation of international law.
On December 30, 2003, the United States Government designated Thailand as a major non-NATO ally. This status gives Thailand a range of benefits, preferred American lending, participation in military exercises and preferential bidding on Department of Defense contracts.
A military dictatorship that disposes an elected government and then seizes American intellectual property should not be considered a major non-NATO ally.
Therefore, today I am introducing the Thailand Democracy Act of 2007 to push Thailand's military government to hold democratic elections.
Under this legislation, the President is required to terminate Thailand's status as a major non-NATO ally until he can certify to the Congress that democracy has been restored to the Thai people. I urge my colleagues to condemn the continued military rule of Thailand and support this important legislation.
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