China, Vietnam back new Thai military government after West's disavowal

China and Vietnam have expressed support for Thailand's new military government, an army spokesman said, after several foreign governments voiced disapproval of the coup.

Army supporters held a small gathering yesterday at the Australian embassy in protest against the downgrading of relations after last month's coup, which saw General Prayuth Chan-ocha take power after months of political unrest that undermined the government of Yingluck Shinawatra.

"China's and Vietnam's ambassadors to Thailand met Supreme Commander General Thanasak Patimaprakorn yesterday and assured us that they still have a good relationship with Thailand and that they hope the situation will return to normal quickly," said Yongyuth Mayalarp, a spokesman for the military's National Council for Peace and Order.

Myanmar's foreign affairs ministry said it recognised Thailand's new military rulers.

"Thailand is a sovereign state and the military government has been endorsed by their king," Aung Linn, a director general at Myanmar's foreign affairs ministry, said yesterday.

"Of course we do recognise them."