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08:00 GMT
TOKYO, May 23 (KUNA) -- Japanese Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida on Friday expressed regret over the military coup in Thailand, strongly urging those concerned that democracy in Thailand be quickly restored.
"It is deeply regrettable that the National Peace and Order Maintaining Council headed by Army Commander in Chief General Prayuth Chan-Ocha has assumed the full power of the Thai government," Kishida told a press conference.
The Japanese government has so far not received reports of casualties among Japanese people in Thailand, according to the minister. "The government will continue to pay the closest attention to their safety, by providing them with sufficient information and timely alerts," he added.
At least 50,000 Japanese citizens live in Thailand. According to media reports, Thai military seized power on Thursday in a coup, dissolving the government and suspending the constitution. The army also imposed a nighttime curfew and a ban on gatherings of 5 or more people. (end)
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