; Whereas Thailand successfully served as host for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum in 2022— (1) to revitalize economic recovery; (2) to restore connectivity following disruptions from the COVID–19 pandemic; and (3) to integrate inclusivity and sustainability objectives in tandem with economic goals; Whereas Thailand was designated a major non-NATO ally in 2003, and is one of the strongest security partners of the United States, a relationship reaffirmed by the Joint Vision Statement 2020 for the U.S.-Thai Defense Alliance; Whereas the Government of Thailand and the Government of the United States hold numerous joint military exercises, including Cobra Gold, the largest annual multinational military exercise in the Indo-Pacific region, which is hosted by Thailand; Whereas the Government of Thailand continues to be a partner on humanitarian and refugee assistance, including in multinational relief efforts following the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami and 2015 Nepal earthquake; Whereas Thailand ended its absolute monarchy and transitioned to a constitutional monarchy in 1932, and has since revised its constitution 19 times, including its 1997 Constitution, which enshrined democratically elected representatives in a bicameral national assembly and the prime minister as head of government; Whereas, on May 22, 2014, the Royal Thai Armed Forces launched a coup d'état through which it repealed the 2007 Constitution, declared martial law, and replaced the civilian government with a military junta, known as the National Council for Peace and Order (referred to in this preamble as the NCPO ), which was led by Army Commander-in-Chief Prayuth Chan-ocha; Whereas, on March 29, 2016, the NCPO unveiled a draft constitution and on August 7, 2016, the NCPO held a deeply flawed referendum on the new constitution, which was intended to legitimize the document; Whereas the 2016 referendum was marred by widespread violations of rights to freedom of expression, association, and peaceful assembly