The Russian Foreign Ministry on Monday expressed hope that the political crisis in Thailand will be resolved through peaceful means, and violence will not resume.
At least 21 people were killed and 856 injured in the Thai capital Bangkok in clashes between government troops and opposition activists on Saturday.
"We hope that violence will not resume and the constitutional order will be restored in Thailand. We assume that the current controversies should be overcome solely through peaceful means, within the legal framework," Foreign Ministry spokesman Andrei Nesterenko said.
Nesterenko also expressed condolences to the families of those killed in the clashes.
Bangkok was hit by mass protests by the opposition demanding the resignation of Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva, the dissolution of parliament and the holding of new elections.
A series of protests in Thailand started in March 2009 after the government offered 9 million low-paid Thai workers assistance worth $55 per head to stimulate the economy. Protestors called the aid "bribery," accused the Cabinet of coming to power illegally and demanded that Vejjajiva step down.
The Russian Foreign Ministry advised its citizens to abstain from visits to the Thai capital.
MOSCOW, April 12 (RIA Novosti)
