US expresses concern over political situation in Thailand

"We remain concerned that political tensions in Thailand are posing challenges to the democratic institutions," State Department Spokesperson Jen Psaki said

The US has expressed concern over the current political situation in Thailand and said the ensuing tensions are posing challenges to the democratic institutions and processes in the Southeast Asian nation.

"We remain concerned that political tensions in Thailand are posing challenges to the democratic institutions and processes of Thailand," State Department Spokesperson Jen Psaki told reporters.

"We certainly don't take sides in Thailand's political disputes, but we continue to urge all sides to commit to sincere dialogue to resolve political differences peacefully and democratically," she said, adding that the US supports a democratic solution to the ongoing tensions in Thailand.

"So we're engaged very closely in that on the ground, and we, of course, believe there are more steps that need to be taken in that process," she said.

Psaki said peaceful and orderly polling did take place in most areas in Thailand on Sunday, but there were also disturbing incidents of violence on the eve of the elections, efforts to block voters and election workers from reaching some voting sites, and disruptions to the delivery of some election materials.