Mr. Surapong Tovichakchaikul, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs made a statement on the situation in Egypt today as follows:

1. Thailand is increasingly concerned by the deteriorating situation in Egypt, with violence resulting in heavy loss of lives and injuries, especially among innocent people.
2. As a country that is committed to upholding democratic principles and non-use of force, Thailand joins a large number of countries in condemning the excessive use of force which could only lead to further violence and undermine efforts to return to the democratic process and achieve an inclusive national reconciliation in the interest of all Egyptian people, which we believe, at this point in time, should be the most urgent priority.
3. We call on all parties to exercise utmost restraint and refrain from further violence. We also call on the interim Government of Egypt to ensure the safety and security of foreign nationals residing in Egypt.