U.S. denies meddling in Thai vote ahead of parliament opening
Ally watches for Thailand’s next move in PM selection, Myanmar and trade
U.S. Ambassador to Thailand Robert Godec, center, speaks to reporters at a media roundtable in Bangkok on June 27. (Photo by Francesca Regalado)
BANGKOK — As Thailand prepares for the opening of parliament next Monday, the U.S. Embassy in Bangkok sought to quell allegations of American interference in the May 14 general election.
U.S. Ambassador Robert Godec reiterated Tuesday that the U.S. did not play a role in the election or favor any party. The progressive Move Forward Party, led by Harvard alumnus Pita Limjaroenrat, won the most seats in the lower house, spurring opposition from the conservative establishment, legal challenges and conspiracy theories.
“These conspiracy theories and false rumors that are out there, frankly, do a disservice to the tens of millions of Thais who participated in the political process,” Godec said in his first media roundtable since becoming ambassador to Thailand last year.