Myanmar's ambassador to Thailand yesterday said he accepted the death sentences handed down to the convicted killers of two backpackers murdered on Koh Tao last year.
U Win Maung also insisted the fate of the two Myanmar migrant workers will not affect relations between the two countries.
His comments came as hundreds of demonstrators yesterday gathered outside the Thai embassy in Yangon to protest against the ruling.
Zaw Lin and Win Zaw Htun, both 22, were sentenced to death on Thursday for the rape and murder of Hannah Witheridge, 23, and the killing of David Miller, 24, on the resort island of Koh Tao in Surat Thani province on Sept 15, 2014.
"Everyone who is human, if they hear that they are getting the death sentence they will be sad, but this is the legal procedure so we have to adhere to the legal procedure," U Win Maung said at Government House yesterday.
He was there to receive US$11,879 (430,610 baht) in flood relief assistance from PM's Office Minister ML Panadda Diskul, and permanent secretary Aek Angsananont acting on behalf of the Thai government.
"I told Pannada to look after the foundations of relations between our countries," the ambassador said. "I very much hope that this case was looked after properly by the Thai government and let me tell you there will no problems affecting diplomatic relations because of this case."
He added an appeal can still be lodged with the Appeal Court.
ML Panadda said he wanted to see the two countries maintain cordial ties, adding the Myanmar ambassador has promised Thais travelling to Myanmar and the Thai embassy in Yangon would be protected.
Amnesty International has called on Thai authorities to fully investigate torture allegations. The two Myanmar convicts claimed they were tortured and forced to give confessions.
"Thai authorities must ensure that any alleged confession or other statement obtained as a result of torture is not admitted as evidence in court in any retrial of the case," said Champa Patel, Amnesty International Director for Southeast Asia and the Pacific.
"This requires an independent investigation, which police should certainly not be in charge of."
Responding to the protest outside the Thai embassy in Yangon, Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwon said Myanmar authorities must ensure security there and create understanding among people since this is a matter involving legal affairs.
The deputy premier said he believed relations between the two nations will not be affected by the court verdict.
Asked whether he was concerned about potential protests by Myanmar workers in Thailand, the deputy premier insisted Thai authorities worked through the case in line with the law.
Meanwhile, hundreds of demonstrators, including monks, yesterday gathered in Yangon to protest against the verdict, saying they believed the two Myanmar workers are innocent.
"This is just discrimination against us," protester Min Thein Khaing said.
Many held up signs with English slogans such as "Save Myanmar Poor Boys" and "Free Our Innocent Citizens".
The protest came as the Thai embassy in Yangon on Thursday issued a warning to Thais in Myanmar to be on their guard following the verdict. The embassy was closed yesterday for the Christmas holiday.
Foreign Minister Don Pramudwinai said security has been tightened at the embassy yesterday with the deployment of 20 to 30 police personnel.
The protest did not affect embassy staff since the gathering occurred during a holiday, he said.
The office of the Myanmar president also urged people to stage peaceful protests and promised to follow the case which will likely continue with an appeal, Mr Don said.
"The [Thai] embassy in Yangon earlier warned Thais in Myanmar to be vigilant and avoid identifying themselves as Thais for their own safety," he added.
Referring to the investigation into the murder case, the minister said relevant agencies from other countries, including the British police, observed the investigation and jointly inspected the scene and evidence.
"They are satisfied with our work," Mr Don said. "The victims' families were informed about the ruling and were satisfied with judicial procedures."
According to the ministry, 1,200 to 1,300 Thai citizens currently reside, work and visit Myanmar. About 200 to 300 people have returned to Thailand for the New Year holidays.
Meanwhile, security has been beefed up along Thailand and Myanmar border areas following the ruling.
At Chiang Rai's Mae Sai border crossing, authorities intensified the screening of people entering the country from Myanmar's Tachilek.
Pol Col Sit Sirikangwal, immigration chief in Chiang Rai, said he instructed officers to be on the lookout for any unusual activities along the border.
About 5,000 to 6,000 Myanmar people enter Thailand every day, but if the number jumps to tens of thousands, a swift investigation will be launched, he said.
Officials have so far noted no unusual activities in Tachilek or nearby towns, he added.
In the border province of Ranong, authorities ramped up a public-relations campaign to ward off any untoward incidents following the ruling.
Col Santi Sakuntanak, chief of the 25th Infantry Regiment task force, said his unit is working with police and administrative officers as well as the civic sector to explain to the public that anti-Thai feelings could be running high across the border.
Security officials from the two countries are working closely in sharing intelligence, he said, adding people should not be worried about travelling to Myanmar.
In the port province of Samut Sakhon, where a large number of Myanmar nationals work in the fishing industry, the situation remains normal, police said.
A 28-year-old Myanmar labourer, Lek, said he believed the two Myanmar convicts are scapegoats.
Deputy police spokesman Krissana Pattanacharoen said yesterday there was no intelligence to suggest Myanmar nationals in Thailand would protest against the death penalty ruling.