At UN, Thailand defends its military takeover

UNITED NATIONS (AP) Thailand is defending the political takeover by its military and says it won't "go against the tide of democracy."

Deputy Prime Minister Tanasak Patimapragorn told the U.N. General Assembly that democracy is about more than just holding elections.

He said Saturday that political parties had been unwilling to compromise and the country risked bloodshed unless the military intervened.

The May 22 coup overthrew an elected government after months of political protests.

Last month, the junta's hand-picked legislature named the military chief as prime minister. The military has squelched open debate on the nation's fate.

Tanasak said Thailand needs "time and space" to bring about reconciliation and undertake political reforms.

Critics say the moves are designed to purge the influence of the ousted ruling party and benefit an elite minority.