(VOVworld) - Thailand’s Army Chief General Prayuth Chan-ocha appealed for calm on Thursday ahead of a long holiday weekend during which thousands of people are expected to join anti-government protests.

Thailand’s Army Chief General Prayuth Chan-ocha. Photo: internet

Speaking to the press after meeting with caretaker Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra, General Prayuth affirmed that factions must take cautious actions and refrain from violence. He added that tit for tat actions will lead to increased violence and military intervention. General Prayuth also reiterated that the Thai army will maintain its neutral role in the current crisis. Meanwhile, protest leaders have urged supporters to join demonstrations during the weekend, and plan “Love Thailand and Break-up with the Thaksin Regime” events in Bangkok on Friday.