UN chief urges immediate end to escalating violence in Thailand

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki- moon on Sunday called for an immediate end to escalating violence in Thailand, urging all sides to engage in meaningful dialogue toward ending the crisis. In a statement issued by his spokesperson here, Ban condemned " the escalation of violence in Thailand over the past week, in particular armed attacks against protesters in which even children have been killed." He called for violence from any quarter to cease immediately, and for the government to bring those responsible to justice. "The Secretary-General believes strongly that there should be no place for violence by any side in resolving political differences and disputes," stressed the statement, adding that Ban is ready to assist in any way possible. The UN chief urged the parties to respect human rights and the rule of law, prevent any new attacks and "engage in meaningful dialogue" toward ending the crisis and advancing reform. Thailand has seen sporadic violence since political unrest erupted in late 2013. The protesters are reportedly seeking to overthrow Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra's administration and implement anti-corruption reforms. At least 24 people, including three children, were injured in a bomb explosion near an anti-government protest site in the Thai capital of Bangkok on Sunday afternoon On Saturday night, unidentified attackers shot and threw grenades at a protest site in east Thailand's Trat province, leaving a five-year-old girl dead and 34 others injured.