White House urges peaceful resolution for Thailand

NEW YORK, Sep 19 (Reuters) The White House today urged a peaceful and democratic resolution to the political situation in Thailand, where the military has attempted a coup.

The Thai army took control of Bangkok with tanks in the country's first coup in 15 years, and Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra declared a state of emergency.

''We have seen various reports of military movements as well as a reported declaration of a statement of emergency in Bangkok by Prime Minister Thaksin,'' said White House National Security Council spokesman Frederick Jones.

''We are monitoring developments closely but the situation at the moment is unclear,'' he said.

''We look to the Thai people to resolve their political differences in a peaceful manner and in accord with the principles of democracy and rule of law,'' Jones said.

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