WASHINGTON (AP) - The State Department's annual report on Human Rights said on Jan.

19 that Thailand's record has improved but some abuses continue.

"New elections, held on September 13 and probably the freest and fairest in

Thailand's history, gave power to an opposition coalition under civilian Prime Minister

Chuan Leekpai...the Chuan administration has made clear its strong commitment to

upholding democratic rights," it noted.

Referring to the demonstrations attacked by the military last May, the report added:

"Military leaders at the forefront of the crackdown have been moved to inactive

positions, and crowd control authority has been moved from the military to the police....

"With the recent restoration of democratic rule, Thai citizens enjoyed a wide

range of civil liberties under one of the most open and progressive governments in

Thai history."