The leader of Thailand’s junta has congratulated US President-elect Donald Trump on being elected, saying the junta would accept anyone elected by the people.

 

On 9 November 2016, Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha, Thailand’s Prime Minister, said the Thai government would have accepted whoever emerged as victor in the 2016 US election since either would have had the mandate of the people, reported the Thai News Agency.

 

Prayut heads Thailand’s junta, the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO), which came to power in 2014 through a coup that ousted an elected civilian government.

 

The junta head mused that it is too early to say how Thailand will be affected by the election result.

 

“Thailand’s foreign policy won’t change drastically. We will maintain balance and consider the national interest. Since Thailand and the US have had relations for more than 180 years, a proactive foreign policy is one such interest,” Prayut said.