No Thai people affected in clashes in Egypt

BANGKOK, July 8 (TNA) - The Thai Embassy in Cairo has taken good care of Thai people who have remained safe amid the ongoing political unrest in Egypt. Thai Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Surapong Tovichakchaikul confirmed at a press conference in Bangkok on Monday that no Thai people have been injured or affected in a spate of clashes between opponents and proponents of former Egyptian President Mohamed Morsi, who was ousted by the military last week. Surapong insisted if the safety of Thai nationals in Egypt was affected, they would be immediately evacuated, acknowledging that the situation in Egypt has not been as violent as that in the Arab Spring revolutionary in 2011, but he is concerned over the ongoing situation in Egypt because the political violence and losses have continued. The deputy prime minister said that, in principle, Thailand disagrees with any military and unconstitutional intervention, urging Egyptians to join forces to restore democracy. The Thai deputy premier expressed his hope that Egypt would have its caretaker government and a fresh election in the near future, suggesting that a legitimate government should come only from a free election. The Thai deputy prime minister called on people in Egypt to solve their domestic political problems through democratic means, noting that, regarding Thailand's experiences, any non-democratic change is not believed to lead to a sustainable solution, but reconciliation and unity among all sectors in the society are, instead, necessary. (TNA)