Thai political turmoil raises int'l concerns

BANGKOK - Fifty countries have issued statements to voice their concerns over Thailand's political tumult, chief of Thailand's Center for the Administration of Peace and Order Surapong Tohvichakchaikul said Wednesday.

India and Sri Lanka were the latest countries to release statements to support Thailand, Surapong said.

The United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has also expressed his support, he added.

These countries wish all parties in Thailand to resolve the current crisis through talks and in a constitutional and democratic fashion, according to Surapong.

He warned the anti-government protesters of the risk of the country retrograding following any actions that run counter to democracy.

Protest leader Suthep Thaugsuban on Tuesday night announced a new massive rally to be staged on Sunday.

Suthep called on the Thais to join the protest in an attempt to force caretaker Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra to step down.

Yingluck on Wednesday urged protesters not to break the law when rallying outside her house on Sunday.