WASHINGTON (AFP) – The United States Thursday closed its embassy in Bangkok and said it was “very concerned” about the violence between the Thai government and protesters there.

“We’re very concerned, we’re watching it (the violence) very closely,” State Department spokesman Philip Crowley told reporters, adding the US embassy was closed to the public because it is near the trouble.

“It is closed and American citizens services will be available for emergencies only… Essential personnel right now are manning the embassy, but it’s not open,” Crowley said.

“We continue to encourage both sides that violence is not the route to resolve these issues. Ultimately, the government and the demonstrators have to get back together again and reach agreement on the path forward,” he said.

Yahoo! News