Pretoria - The South African government has called for the return of constitutional order in Thailand following a coup d’état in that country on Thursday.
It has further warned all South Africans planning to travel to Thailand to be cautious.
“South Africa condemns the coup and calls on all relevant parties to work speedily and through an inclusive process towards the restoration of constitutional order,” the Department of International Relations and Cooperation said on Friday.
Thailand's military junta chief Prayuth Chan-ocha on Thursday declared himself as acting prime minister until someone can be found to serve the post full time.
Prayuth, who is also the army chief, said the coup was aimed at stopping further loss of life and preventing the conflict in the country from further escalating.
In an address to the nation, he said to restore order in the country, the Thai armed forces needed to seize power.
"In order for the country to return to normal quickly, the National Peace and Order Maintaining Council comprised of the army, the Thai armed forces, the Royal Air Force and the police need to seize power as of May 22 at 4.30pm."
Prayuth said that the council was formed to seize power and that the power seizure was necessary to protect the life of the people. He asked the public to go on their daily lives as usual.
The takeover would not affect international relations.
South Africa said it will monitor the unfolding situation.
“All South Africans living in or visiting Thailand are advised to register on the ROSA system and stay away from all protest sites,” departmental spokesperson Clayson Monyela said. –SAnews.gov.za –Xinhua
