NEW YORK, May 20 (KUNA) -- Reacting to the army's declaration of Martial Law in Thailand earlier today, Secretary General Ban Ki-moon on Tuesday said the way to secure the country's peace and prosperity is through dialogue and democratic engagement.
"The way to secure Thailand's peace and prosperity is through full respect for democratic principles and engagement in democratic processes. The Secretary General urges all sides to exercise utmost restraint, refrain from any violence and fully respect human rights," his press office said in a statement.
"He (Ban) has consistently called on all sides to work together to seek a solution to the prolonged political stalemate through constructive dialogue," the statement added.
Protests in Thailand began in late 2013 when demonstrators called for the ouster of Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra's administration and implementation of anti-corruption reforms. Shinawatra was reportedly removed from Government on May 7 after a ruling by the Thai Constitutional Court. (end) sj.bs