White House urges peaceful end to Thai conflict

NEW YORK, Sep 19 (Reuters) The White House today urged a peaceful and democratic resolution to the political situation in Thailand, where the military seized power in 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, who is in New York for the UN General Assembly, 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.

A senior State Department official said the Thai prime minister had faced serious political problems at home for months and what had happened was not unexpected.

''I was not entirely surprised that this happened but I think the real question will be -- will there be an immediate return to civilian rule, what is the status of the fall elections and where does the king stand on all of this?,'' the official said.

He said it was too early to determine exactly what was ahead for Thailand, adding that the US ambassador was in touch with Thai authorities and Washington was closely monitoring the situation.

REUTERS DKS BST0207