Poland 'deeply concerned' after Thai coup

Thai soldiers secure the area after anti-government protesters were removed off the site following the coup declared at Democracy Monument in Bangkok, Thailand, 23 May 2014. Photo: EPA/Rungroj Yongrit

“Poland is deeply concerned about the development of the conflict and the military coup in Thailand,” the foreign ministry's statement stressed.

“We are invariably on the side of democracy, rule of law and civil freedoms, and we hope that all decisions aimed at restricting them will be reversed as soon as possible.”

Thai army chief General Prayuth Chan-ocha claimed in a televised address to the nation that the seizure of power was essential “in order for the country to return to normality quickly, and for society to love and be at peace again.”

The move came after after two days of tense talks between rival political factions at Bangkok's Army Club.

Thailand has seen months of political protests since former Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra dissolved the country's lower house of parliament last year.

28 people have died since November in protests against the government.

“We call on all participants of the political process in Thailand, in particular the army which now holds power, to avoid further escalation of the conflict and to urgently return to the path of democracy,” Poland's foreign ministry declared.

“Based on our transformation experience that we gained 25 years ago, we believe that only dialogue and mutual understanding can bring durable political solutions.” (nh)