Iran’s Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Marzieh Afkham on Sunday expressed hope that the warring sides would refrain from tension and violence, and put an end to the ongoing turmoil through “peaceful means.”
”Thailand is a key country in East Asia and a member of the Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), and tranquility and stability in that country is important for that region,” said the spokeswoman.
Iran’s official reaction to the Thai situation came as the unrest in the embattled country continued with major opposition lawmaker and former deputy prime minister Suthep Thaugsuban calling for a general strike by workers across the nation on Monday.
“To continue the people’s operation and to eliminate Thaksin’s regime, the People’s Democratic Reform Committee would like to announce that Monday, December 2nd, is a holiday for every government section,” Thaugsuban said in a message carried by nearly all of Thailand’s TV channels.
Meanwhile, clashes continue between supporters and opponents of Thai Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra in the capital Bangkok while at least four people have been reported killed and dozens more injured during the conflict.
The anti-government campaign began last month when the Thai government tried to pass an amnesty law that could parole politically-related crimes. It could also pave the way for the return of deposed Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, the prime minister’s brother.
Yingluck’s administration is accused of corruption and her opponents call her an incompetent puppet. The demonstrators want the current prime minister to step down.
Thaksin was toppled in a military coup seven years ago following rallies and after being accused of corruption. Since then, Thaksin has lived in a self-imposed exile to avoid a prison sentence.
