Labor says it wants to see peace and democracy quickly restored in Thailand after the military's shock intervention.
The Australian government says it is closely monitoring the situation in the South-East Asian nation, amid questions as to whether the army's imposition of martial law amounts to another coup.
The intervention came after after months of anti-government protests causing political paralysis, with General Prayut Chan-O-Cha exploiting century-old legislation allowing the armed forces to act in an emergency.
Opposition foreign affairs spokeswoman Tanya Plibersek has yet to have a formal briefing on events in Thailand, but said she was concerned about the declaration of martial law.
"I would hope very much that order is restored quickly," she told ABC radio on Wednesday.
"But (also) that Thailand is able to draw on its constitution and its democratic values to allow the Thai people to indeed choose their government and that peace and democracy are restored quickly."
Australia's Ambassador to Thailand James Wise said foreign diplomats were being told the army's actions did not amount to a coup.
"In the past when Thailand has had coups the constitution has been immediately suspended, and the incumbent government has been thrown out," he told ABC radio.
"Neither of things has happened on this occasion."
Share
