The US Embassy in Bangkok has issued a statement, calling for the red shirts protesters and their leaders who are scheduled to conduct a mass rally this weekend not to use violence and to exercise their right to assemble and protest peacefully.
The statement also encouraged the Thai government to exercise suitable restraint.
"Thailand is a close friend and ally of the United States. And as a long-time friend, we are closely watching the current situation in Thailand. The United States believes that differences should be addressed through Thailand's democratic institutions and not through violence," read the statement.
The embassy also issued a warning for US citizens travelling to or residing in Thailand about the demonstration by the red shirts planned for this weekend and could continue to next week.
Although the red shirts leaders promised that the protests would be peaceful, there is possibility of violence during the protests.
Under the Internal Security Act, the police and military are authorised to maintain security.
"The US citizens are reminded of the small bombs which exploded (or were detected) in Bangkok in late February; Thai authorities are closely monitoring the possibility of similar occurrences," the statement said.
Therefore, the Americans should pay close attention to public sources of information, including media reporting and the US Embassy website, concerning events on the streets of Bangkok over the weekend.
"We remind U.S. citizens that even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and possibly escalate into violence. U.S. citizens are therefore urged to avoid the areas of demonstrations and to exercise caution in their movements around Bangkok or if within the vicinity of any demonstrations," read the statement.
US citizens traveling or residing in Thailand are encouraged to register with the Department of State or the U.S. Embassy. The American Citizen Services Unit of the U.S. Embassy can be reached by calling 66-2-205-4049 and by e-mail at acsbkk@state.gov.
