Deploring the violence and loss of life in Thailand, the United States has asked Thai leaders to show restraint and resolve differences through democratic institutions.
“The United States deeply deplores the violence and loss of life that has resulted from clashes between security forces and protests from the United Front for Democracy Against Dictatorship,” State Department Deputy Spokesman Gordon Duguid told reporters at a news conference
“We call on both sides to show restraint and to work to resolve differences through Thailand’s democratic institutions,” he said in response to a question.
Mr. Duguid said the U.S. is encouraged by the actions of the Red Shirt leaders who have surrendered to law enforcement agencies and support their call to supporters to return home peacefully.
“However, we are deeply concerned that Red Shirt supporters have engaged in arson targeting the electricity infrastructure and media outlets and have attacked individual journalists,” he said.
“We condemn such behaviour and call on UDD leaders and affiliated opposition politicians to urge their supporters to stop such acts. We remain very concerned about the situation in Thailand and we will continue to monitor those events closely,” Mr. Duguid said.
The U.S. Embassy in Bangkok is currently closed.
However, it is providing some emergency services and limited routine consular services to U.S. citizens at the Westin Grand Sukhumvit Hotel in the Thai capital.
