Govt pooh-poohs US anti-coup proposal

"It is only the opinion of a US congressman. We do not consider it pressure from the US. The bilateral relations are still excellent," ministry spokesman Tharit Jarungwat said.

Tharit said most US congressmen understood the situation in Thailand.

Congressman Mark Kirk's bill would eliminate benefits of the special designation until the junta that took power last September stands down and allows democracy to return to the Southeast Asian nation.

The benefits involve largely the sale or loan of weapons or other defence materials.

 "We have an obligation to stand with the Thai people to prevent future abuses by the unelected government of Thailand," Kirk said in a statement. "A military dictatorship that disposes an elected government should not be considered a major non-Nato ally."

Kirk said his goal was not only to restore democracy but to "set an example for other Asian militaries to stay out of politics."

Before the bill can become law, both the House and the Senate must pass it and send it to President George W Bush for his signature.

Bush designated Thailand a major non-Nato ally on December 30, 2003.