UN chief mediates to end Thailand's protests

BANGKOK, January 11 (TNA) - Caretaker Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Surapong Tovichakchaikul says that UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has tried to mediate to end Thailand's political strife between the caretaker government and anti-government protesters, led by Suthep Thaugsuban, a former deputy prime minister of the Democrat Party. Surapong told journalists on Saturday (Jan 11) that Ban spoke with Thailand's Caretaker Prime Minister and Defence Minister Yingluck Shinawatra and Democrat Party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva earlier this week in his effort to help bridge their differences. According to the caretaker deputy prime minister, the UN chief expressed his concerns over Thailand's political situation, particularly on next Monday (Jan 13), when the anti-government protesters have announced to "shut down Bangkok" with their spreading rallies, and urged all parties concerned to, thus, exercise restraint, avoid any provocation and try to settle their differences through peaceful talks. (TNA)