Thai summons US diplomat over critical remarks

BANGKOK, Jan 28 (AP): Thailand's military government summoned the U.S. charge d'affairs for talks on Wednesday after a top U.S. diplomat roiled the junta during a visit by calling for an end to martial law and saying the impeachment of a former prime minister could be politically motivated.

 Daniel Russel, the U.S. assistant secretary of state for East Asian and Pacific affairs, made the comments during a university speech in Bangkok on Monday.

 On Wednesday, coup leader-turned-Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha said he was "saddened" by the remarks and said "the U.S. does not understand the way we work."

 Thai Deputy Foreign Minister Don Pramudwinai, who met with U.S. charge d'affairs W. Patrick Murphy, said Russel's comments had "hurt" many Thais and showed a lack of understanding of Thai politics.