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US, other nations express concerns over Thai coup

By WTOP Staff

The Associated Press

The military coup in Thailand has drawn criticism from many world leaders, with the U.S. saying there was “no justification” for the coup and France also condemning it. A summary of reactions:

UNITED STATES:

Washington, which froze U.S. military assistance after Thailand’s last coup in 2006 for 1½ years until democracy was restored, said it was reviewing military ties and preparing to suspend up to $10 million in aid to Thailand. It also called for the release of any detained political leaders and voiced concern about media restrictions under the coup.

“There is no justification for this military coup,” Secretary of State John Kerry said. “I urge the restoration of civilian government immediately, a return to democracy, and respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, such as press freedoms.”

U.N. HUMAN RIGHTS OFFICE:

U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay urged rule of law to be restored promptly. “I am very concerned by the restrictions on fundamental freedoms imposed by the (military leaders),” Pillay said, adding that freedom of expression and freedom of assembly are particularly important in resolving political differences.

Pillay also said detained political leaders should be released and that the emergency powers the military invoked should be temporary and limited. “I remind the authorities that the implementation of any emergency measures must comply with international human rights standards. The right to life and the prohibition against torture cannot be breached, regardless of the circumstances.”

INDONESIA:

Foreign Minister Marty Natalegawa said the coup was a setback to the democracy that the Association of Southeast Asian Nations has tried to engender. Thailand is one of the founders of the 10-nation security and political bloc.

“Having this situation certainly would be inconsistent with ASEAN’s collective support for democratic principles and constitutional government,” Natalegawa told The Associated Press on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum on East Asia in Manila.

BRITAIN:

Foreign Secretary William Hague said he was “extremely concerned” by the coup.

“The U.K. urges the restoration of a civilian government that has been democratically elected, serves the interests of its people and fulfills its human rights obligations,” he said in a statement, adding that “only by openly discussing the full range of issues can Thailand move forward and reach a more stable position.”

FRANCE:

President Francois Hollande condemned the coup. In a statement issued by his office, he called for an immediate return to constitutional order and electoral process. He also called for the respect of the Thai people’s fundamental rights and freedoms.

NEW ZEALAND:

Foreign Minister Murray McCully expressed concern over the coup and the suspension of the constitution. “It is difficult to see how military rule will ease Thailand’s current political crisis. The detention of political leaders is unacceptable,” he said in a statement issued by his office.

JAPAN:

Tokyo said the coup was “deeply regrettable.”

“Japan strongly urges those concerned that democracy in Thailand be quickly restored,” Foreign Affairs Minister Fumio Kishida said.

Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Don’t Settle for Student Loans to Pay for Online Education

By WTOP Staff
Online college programs are becoming a more popular choice for prospective students, with one study finding that more than 6 million students enrolled in at least one online course in fall 2015. The popularity of these courses can be attributed in part to their flexibility with working adults' schedules, students' ability to progress more quickly through online programs and, oftentimes, cheaper tuition. [See 10 low-cost online bachelor's programs for out-of-state students.]Online degrees can be beneficial to many college students, but some studies have shown online learners complete their programs at lower rates than students at traditional brick-and-mortar campuses. Individuals with student loans but no degree comprise two-thirds of defaulted borrowers. Though these numbers are not encouraging, just like for traditional programs, there are ways to reduce how much you'll need to borrow for an online program to ensure you won't become one of these statistics. 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But don't forget to take advantage of local organizations and your school's financial aid office. Both may offer scholarships that you can't find with a national scholarship search. [Review these 10 sites to kick off your scholarship search.]For instance, organizations like the Elks Club, Knights of Columbus or the Rotary Club typically offer scholarships annually to local students. Just because you're going to school online doesn't mean you're ineligible. Visit your local library for scholarship listings, and ask around town. You might be surprised how many local organizations offer scholarships. While these scholarships typically aren't large, every little bit counts. Each dollar you receive in a scholarship is a dollar you don't have to borrow and pay interest on. -- Work-study: Another option for online students may be work-study awards. Not all students enrolled in online programs are eligible, but students at some schools -- including, for example, SUNY Empire State College and Liberty University -- are. Work-study awards are not given upfront like scholarships and grants. In most cases, they are an offer to earn up to the awarded amount if you secure an eligible work-study job. While there is a misconception that all work-study jobs must be on campus, students can work for off-campus, nonprofit or public employers as long as the work is in the public's interest. You may be able to work for a for-profit employer if the job is relevant to your course of study. No matter who the outside employer is, it will need to have an established agreement with your college for you to receive work-study funds. Remember, to be eligible for federal financial aid, you must be enrolled and pursuing a degree or certificate. If you're not working toward a credential, Pell Grants and work-study won't be option, but you may still be able to take advantage of private scholarships -- just be sure to read the eligibility criteria carefully. [Explore what to know about financial aid in online programs.]-- Pay as you go: One of the great benefits to enrolling online is the flexible schedule, which can allow you to complete your college coursework around your responsibilities. But prospective students often overlook using their part- or full-time job earnings as an option for paying for college. Almost 80 percent of college students in 2015 worked at least part time while attending classes, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. By budgeting and thinking strategically about your college costs, you can likely reduce your dependence on student loans by paying a portion out of pocket. Many -- but not all -- online programs are less expensive than traditional programs and often have shorter payment periods. Six, eight or 10 weeks are common course durations. Because of the frequency of payments in an online setting, you may be well-placed to pay as you go and possibly avoid borrowing altogether. Attending college online and avoiding student loans may be challenging, but if you are willing to put in the effort, you can limit the amount you need to borrow. More from U.S. News Q&A: Understanding Student Loan Discharge Eligibility Student Loan Refinancing Isn't Right for All Borrowers
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