China hopes for Thai election success

BEIJING - A Foreign Ministry spokesman on Tuesday said China hopes the Thai general election set for February is successful.

Hong Lei's comments came after Thai King Bhumibol Adulyadej approved the House dissolution and the holding of the next election slated for February 2, 2014.

As a friendly neighbor of Thailand, China hopes parties in Thailand can properly handle differences through dialogue and consultation under the framework of the Constitution and the law so as to restore national stability and order as soon as possible, Hong said.

Thai caretaker Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra on Tuesday morning pledged to continue to perform caretaking duties in accordance with the Constitution until a new prime minister is elected.

On Monday night, anti-government protest leader Suthep Thaugsuban asked Yingluck and cabinet ministers to resign as caretakers within 24 hours.