Anti-government protestors occupying a central Bangkok commercial district should seize the opportunity to resolve political differences peacefully, a senior US official urged Sunday.
The United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) have been holding protests in Bangkok since March 12 to force Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva to resign and hold new elections.
They have occupied a prime commercial district since April 3, prompting numerous clashes with troops and violent attacks that have claimed 29 lives, including six soldiers and two policemen.
UDD leaders claim they support Abhisit's proposal for an election on November 14, preceded by a dissolution of parliament between September 15-30, but they have not abandoned the protest site.
"We are encouraged by UDD's positive response to the roadmap and hope that the leaders will seize this opportunity to responsibly and expeditiously lead Thailand out of its current predicament," Campbell told a press conference in Bangkok, shortly before he departed for neighbouring Myanmar.
"However, it must be said, we remain cautious about progress," he added, noting that acts of violence continue to undermine the peace process.
On Friday night and Saturday morning unidentified assailants fired on police posted near the protest site, killing two officers and undermining optimism.
European Union diplomats in Thailand condemned the fresh acts of violence in a statement issued Sunday.
"We call on all sides to refrain from violence and hope that an early peaceful solution can be achieved to swiftly lead Thailand back towards national reconciliation, prosperity and stability, with full respect for the rule of law and democratic principles," the statement said.