The United States will only return to free trade negotiations with Thailand when a democratic government is in place, a senior US trade official said Friday, flagging further delays in talks.

"Negotiations with Thailand have been suspended. We have said publicly that we would be interested in renewing negotiations with Thailand when a democratic government is in place," said Assistant US Trade Representative Barbara Weisel.

Free trade talks were launched by Thailand's former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, who was ousted in a military coup on September 19.

Months of political turmoil over Thaksin's leadership before the coup had virtually halted talks with the US, which are aimed at signing a free trade agreement.

Thailand's military-installed government has been at pains to assure the international community it will restore democracy, and promised to launch a process to draft a new constitution.

Bangkok aware

The junta has also said the government will remain in office for only one year and that elections will be held in October 2007, but officials have already hinted that a transition back to democracy could take longer than that.

Weisel, when asked Thailand's response to Washington's precondition for a return to talks, indicated Bangkok was aware of its call.

"They're in the process of drafting a new constitution, preparing for elections some time next year, so I think they understand our position," said Weisel, who has been in Kuala Lumpur for a round of talks with Malaysia.

"But they're occupied with setting up their own new government," she added.