The United States has never taken sides in Thailand's polarised politics and reaffirms it will fully engage when the country returns to democracy, the US-nominated ambassador to Thailand, Glyn Davies, Davies, has told the US Senate foreign relations committee.
Speaking before the committee in his testimony, Mr Davies described the mission in Bangkok as the highest point in his foreign service career, even though the two countries have limitations in their engagement following last year's coup.
He said the US has not taken sides in the Thai political ructions but has stressed strong support for democratic principles. "In the past decade, Thailand's political divide has dramatically deepened, polarising not just the political class but society as a whole. We have not taken sides in this debate, but have stressed our unwavering support for democratic principles and our commitment to our historic friendship with the Thai people," Mr Davies said.
He insisted that consistent calls from the US government to restore democracy in Thailand does not mean the US has advocated a specific constitutional or political blueprint.
"Our call for the restoration of civilian government, a return to democracy, and full respect for human rights, including freedom of expression and peaceful assembly, does not mean we advocate a specific constitutional or political blueprint," he said.
Mr Davies' nomination will be put to a vote in the full senate, after which his confirmation will be official and he can assume the job. The confirmation vote has not been scheduled.
The former US envoy for North Korea policy was nominated by President Barack Obama as the new US ambassador to Thailand in April.