Don't use our logo in protests against Thai junta: McDonald's

Bangkok, May 29 (IANS/EFE) McDonald's, the multinational fast food chain, has asked protestors in Thailand to stop using its logo in protests against the military coup that completed a week Thursday.

The US company expressed its neutrality in the face of the political crisis in the country after several opponents demonstrated with the symbol of McDonald's and then uploaded photos on social networking sites.

"We believe that such acts can be carried out with the intention of pursuing certain political interests", the chain said in a statement on its Facebook page.

"We emphasise that we have no connection with such actions and we wish to clarify that McThai maintains and will continue maintaining a neutral position in the current political situation in Thailand," it added.

The global food service retailer asked demonstrators to stop using its logo, symbols or trademark and threatened to take "appropriate measures" to protect its rights.

On Sunday, several anti-junta demonstrators hid in a McDonald's restaurant in Bangkok after which at least two of them were arrested by the soldiers.

Protests such as the one next to McDonald's have also taken place in other provinces of the country.

Thai army chief Prayuth Chan-ocha assumed control of Thailand May 22 after what it considered to be failed attempts by the interim government and its opponents to reach an agreement and following seven months of protests.

Within hours of the coup, the military declared a curfew, banned public gatherings and suspended the constitution, in addition to censoring the media including international channels such as BBC and CNN.

Since the end of the absolute monarchy in 1932, Thailand has witnessed 19 military coups, of which 12 have been successful, including that of last Thursday.

--IANS/EFE

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