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Military coup in Thailand

Thai PM's visit to Russia cancelled

The decision reflects tension in the country’s capital, Bangkok, hit by a surge of opposition street protests since November 31

© EPA/RUNGROJ YONGRIT

BANGKOK, December 6 (Itar-Tass) - Thailand’s Prime Minister, Yingluck Shinawatra, has cancelled all her foreign visits planned for December, including a visit to Russia, the Thai Foreign Ministry said on Friday.

The decision reflects tension in the country’s capital, Bangkok, hit by a surge of opposition street protests since November 31.

Shinawatra was due to visit Russia on December 8-10. The journey was rated important, seeking to ensure Moscow’s support for Thailand’s election into the UN Security Council as an Asian representative in the 2017-2018 term.

In recent developments, Thailand’s government has been forced to adjust its work schedule due to mass protests in Bangkok. This led to cancellation of Shinawatra’s visit to Tokyo, where she was expected to participate in a meeting of leaders of Japan and ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) member states.

The prime minister also called off her visit to Myanmar, which will host a number of sporting events between Southeast Asian teams.

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