The changes that occurred in Thailand are its internal affairs and China has always adhered to the principle of non-interference in other country's internal affairs, Foreign Ministry spokesman Qin Gang said Wednesday.

Qin said as friendly neighbors, China wishes Thailand to maintain harmony and prosperity, and ensure a peaceful and secure environment for its people.

China hopes the Sino-Thai relations cherish further advancement, he stressed.

Thai military overthrew the government of Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra Tuesday night when he was in the United States for the 61st session of the UN General Assembly.

The Chinese Foreign Ministry has warned its nationals in Thailand to be careful and avoid going outside. The ministry has also suggested Chinese nationals planning to go to Thailand in the near future closely follow the situation and readjust their travel plans accordingly.

The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government also urged Hong Kong residents in Thailand to be careful in the wake of a coup in the country.

Yan Tingai, former Chinese ambassador to Thailand, said changes in Thailand will not have much impact on the Chinese people there, as there is no bloodshed.

Chinese FM warns nationals in Thailand to be cautious

China's Foreign Ministry on Wednesday warned its nationals in Thailand to be careful and avoid going outside in the wake of an overnight military coup in the country.

The Foreign Ministry also suggested that Chinese nationals planning to go to Thailand in the near future watch the situation and adjust their travel plans accordingly.

It said if Chinese citizens needed help, they could contact the Chinese embassy in Bangkok, and the ministry's consulate department had opened a 24-hour hotline for Chinese citizens to inquire about family and friends in Thailand.

The sudden, well-orchestrated and bloodless coup has sparked criticism, concern, unease and uncertainty in the international community.

At the United Nations, Secretary-General Kofi Annan said on Tuesday that military coups should not be encouraged, referring to what had happened in Thailand.

Thailand is a major tourist destination for Chinese with 700,000 to 800,000 Chinese traveling there every year.

Australia, Britain, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore and the United States are among countries that advise their citizens already in Thailand to stay indoors, and for those planning trips to reconsider.

Source: Xinhua