The US condemned fierce street clashes between Thai troops and anti-government protestors that left at least 18 dead and hundreds injured, dpa reported.
State Department spokesman PJ Crowley said the US "deeply regrets the violence on the streets of Bangkok April 10, and the loss of life."
"Violence is not an acceptable means of resolving political differences. We call on the United Front for Democracy Against Dictatorship (UDD) and the Thai security forces to show restraint going forward," he said in a statement, calling for negotiation between the sides.
At least 18 people were killed and 807 injured in street clashes between Thai troops and the red-shirted protestors in the heart of the old section of Bangkok, government sources confirmed Sunday.
Among the dead were 14 civilians, including one Japanese photographer for working for Thomson-Reuters, and four soldiers, according to the latest report from the government's Narenthorn Medical Centre.
A tense standoff between government troops and demonstrators continued Sunday in the two main protest sites, Phan Fa Bridge in the old part of the capital, and at Ratchaprasong, a posh shopping and hotel district in modern Bangkok.
"The United States firmly believes both sides can and should work out disagreements peacefully through earnest negotiation," Crowley said. "We once again stress the importance of all players in Thailand working to resolve differences in a way that strengthens democracy and rule of law. We strongly support the Thai nation and its people during this difficult period."
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