US, Thailand to hold military drills despite tensions

BANGKOK: The United States and Thailand begin major military exercises on Monday that are being overshadowed by growing tension between the longtime allies over the actions of Thailand’s army-run dictatorship.

The annual exercises are the first to take place since the Thai military ousted a democratically elected government in a coup in May. Thai generals had promised a swift return to democracy, but have imposed strict restrictions on free speech and shown little willingness to reconcile with the deposed government.