Disappointed US condemns Thai coup

The US also called for a return to civilian rule as soon as possible, saying there is no justification for a coup.

The United States on Wednesday condemned the coup in Thailand which ousted Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, and called for a return to civilian rule "as quickly as possible."

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In its first detailed reaction to Tuesday's dramatic uprising, Washington said there was no justification for a coup, but stopped short of calling for the restoration of Thaksin or his scandal-tainted government.

"There's no justification for a military coup in Thailand or in any place else," said State Department deputy spokesman Tom Casey.

"We certainly are extremely disappointed by this action. It's a step backward for democracy in Thailand.

"We want to see a resolution of this situation in accordance with the rule of law and in accordance with democratic procedures -- that certainly means the restoration of civilian rule in Thailand as quickly as possible."

Asked why Washington was not calling for the return of Thaksin, Casey said: "I think the facts on the ground are that a coup has happened; certainly we wish that had not occurred in the first place."

"The important thing now is that we move forward to make sure that those who have engaged in this activity live up to their public commitments, and again those commitments are to restore democracy as quickly as possible."

Thailand's new military ruler pledged today to resign in two weeks and restore democracy in a year, after sweeping aside Thaksin, who was re-elected twice but battered by corruption.