Brussels - The European Union on Monday expressed "great concern" at the situation in Thailand and called for a peaceful resolution to the conflict between the country's government and opposition. The EU presidency urged anti-government demonstrators in Thailand to refrain from violence on the streets, saying this could lead to further tension and harm Thailand's stability and reputation.

The EU said it hoped the political divide could be overcome through dialogue and democratic means, within the framework of the constitution.

Thailand's so-called Red Shirts, supporters of fugitive former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, continued protests Monday, a day after Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva declared a state of emergency in the capital Bangkok and surrounding areas.

Thailand was on Saturday forced to cancel the 16-nation summit of the Association of South-East Asian Nations (ASEAN) held at the seaside resort of Pattaya, south-east of Bangkok, when protestors invaded the venue.

Bangkok braced for a tense night Monday after the army fired bullets and tear gas at protestors to retake control of many key road junctions in the city.(dpa)