US, UK raise rally concerns
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US, UK raise rally concerns

The US and UK embassies in Thailand have expressed concern about rising political tensions and say they are closely following the demonstrations.

They posted their concerns on their official Facebook pages when anti-government protesters from the Civil Movement for Democracy (CMD) yesterday attempted to take over key government offices including Government House, the Royal Thai Police Headquarters and the Metropolitan Police Bureau.

The US Facebook page said: "As long-time friends of Thailand, we strongly support the Thai nation and its people during this period.

"We urge all sides to refrain from violence, exercise restraint, and respect the rule of law.

"Violence and the seizure of public or private property are not acceptable means of resolving political differences.

"The US firmly believes all parties should work together to resolve differences through peaceful dialogue."

The UK Facebook page urged people to avoid all protests, political gatherings and demonstrations.

In Nay Pyi Taw, the spokesman for Myanmar President Thein Sein has called on the Thais and the government to solve political problems peacefully.

Deputy Information Minister Ye Htut told the Bangkok Post that Myanmar has monitored Thailand's political crisis for years.

"According to our [political] experience, we think national reconciliation is the most important thing to help move the country forward," Ye Htut said.

Asked whether Myanmar President Thein Sein has raised the problem of Thai politics for talks with Myanmar ministers, Ye Htut said politics is an internal issue of Thailand.

Myanmar has been under military rule since 1962.

However, in 2010 an election was held and in 2011 a new political system was introduced and a democratic government inaugurated.

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