The United States has reaffirmed its support for Thailand to return to an elected civilian government in the wake of the March 24 poll.
The message was conveyed by Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs David Hale, who is visiting Indonesia, Thailand, Myanmar and Japan from April 29 to May 6 for his first official mission.
Mr Hale met representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the National Security Council and civil society on Tuesday to discuss regional politics and security before briefing local media.
"We have seen voting and media attention [on] the poll. It is a healthy commitment to the democratic process. Despite concerns about the post-election process, we stand with Thailand and expect a fair and transparent resolution that reflects the will of the people," he said, adding he does not support any specific party or outcome.
Mr Hale stressed Washington's impartiality after the US embassy recently dispatched envoys to observe Future Forward Party leader Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit as he reported to the police to fight three charges involving a pro-democracy rally he attended four years ago.
Mr Thanathorn was charged with sedition under Section 116 of the Criminal Code, helping a suspect escape (Section 189) and joining an assembly of more than 10 people that caused unrest (Section 215).
If convicted, he could face three jail terms of seven years, two years and six months, respectively. He has denied all charges and said he would provides written testimony on May 15.
"Our focus during the election period is to support the process. We don't take sides," Mr Hale said.
He also congratulated Thailand on the King's coronation this weekend.
Mr Hale also expressed concern about Rohingya Muslims in Myanmar. He urged Thailand, as Asean chair, to develop policies on human rights.
"We have seen abuses of the ethnic Rohingya during the security operation. We urge redoubled efforts on the part of the Myanmar authority to protect its local population through a credible and thorough investigation," he said.
He said that Thailand and China forging closer ties would not affect the kingdom's relationship with Washington.
"We don't expect any countries to make a choice between China and the US. It's not a zero-sum game," he said.
