ASEAN calls for peaceful solution to anti-government protests in Thailand

ASEAN member countries have called on all parties concerned to resolve the anti- government protests in Thailand "through dialogue and consultations in a peaceful and democratic manner," a statement said on Sunday

The Statement on Current Developments in the Kingdom of Thailand, posted on the website of Brunei Foreign Affairs Ministry and Trade, said ASEAN member states have been closely following the current developments in Thailand.

"We reiterate that the political stability in the Kingdom of Thailand is essential to achieving a peaceful, stable and prosperous ASEAN Community," said the statement.

Brunei serves as rotating chair of the ASEAN bloc, which groups the ten Southeast Asian countries of Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.

According to the latest news from Bangkok, the Thai military has declined to take sides in the ongoing political deadlock in the country. Supreme commander of the Thai armed forces Thanasak Patimaprakorn said at a public seminar on Saturday that the Thai army will continue to maintain neutrality and engage in helping Thais.

The leader of the protesters, Suthep Thaugsuban, earlier asked the military to "choose sides" as soon as possible in order to end the political stalemate. Protesters want Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra to step down despite her announcement to hold general elections on Feb. 2 next year.

The Thai military has staged or attempted 18 coups in the past 80 years - including one against Yingluck's brother, Thaksin Shinawatra, when he was premier in 2006.