DHAKA: South-east Asia’s regional bloc called on Sunday for a ‘peaceful resolution’ to the political crisis gripping Thailand, days after a controversial court ruling removed prime minister Yingluck Shinawatra from power.

The 10-member Association of South-east Asian Nations (Asean) met in the Myanmar capital Naypyidaw this weekend in the absence of a top-level Thai representative following Wednesday’s judicial ruling ousting Yingluck from office for abuse of power.

In a statement by Asean foreign ministers, the bloc said it was closely monitoring the situation in Thailand, where both pro- and anti-government protesters have been drawn onto the streets, raising fears of unrest.

Asean member states ‘emphasise their full support for a peaceful resolution to the ongoing challenge in the country through dialogue and in full respect of democratic principles and rule of law,’ it said, reports The Straits Times.

BDST: 2112 HRS, MAY 11, 2014