Such moves have triggered concerns that the military is seeking to strengthen its hold on the country as it initiates political reform. But Gen Prayuth and junta officials have argued that military rule has brought stability to Thailand following months of violent protests between the pro- and anti-Thaksin camps. Prayuth and his interim junta government, formally known as the National Council for Peace and Order, took power after the bloodless coup that they said was to end six months of political deadlock aimed at removing the government of former Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra. ( BBC New, 2014)
The recent coups are therefore particularly problematic for maintaining strong bilateral relations, because U.S. aid suspension targets military assistance, cancels exercises, and chills security ties. Before the most recent coup, U.S. military leaders touted the alliance as apolitical and praised the Thai armed forces for exhibiting restraint amidst the competing protests and political turmoil. By seizing power, Prayuth and the Thai Army put themselves at the center of politics for the second time in eight years.
Prayuth and his government have taken steps to polish their image. Thai ambassadors and general consuls deployed in 21 countries, for example, have been tasked to explain and defend the coup.Prayuth may also be asked why Thailand is delaying elections - initially promised for late next year - to 2016. Although the military government has promised to bring democratically elected leadership back next year, doubts and criticisms have lingered over the country's deteriorating political stability and human right abuses. After lifting the Martial law, military ruler Prayuth Chan- ocha, looks like a brazen attempt to dupe key overseas allies, notably the US, the EU and Japan, into believing the country is on a return path to democracy. The Bangkok junta, which seized power from an elected government last May, plainly hopes to persuade international investors, trading partners and foreign tourists that it is business as usual in Thailand