Foreign embassies in Bangkok have expressed concern about the situation ahead of the opposition People’s Democratic Reform Committee’s planned "shutdown" of the capital on January 13.

Thailand Foreign Ministry's permanent secretary Sihasak Phuangketkaew on January said on January 8 that foreign diplomatic missions, particularly those located near the protestors’ rally sites are worried that the roads to their embassies may be blocked, causing trouble for their activities.

Sihasak was speaking after briefing foreign diplomats about the situation concerning anti-government protestors who plan to organise a mass demonstration on January 13 to shut down Bangkok .

He said some 20 foreign embassies near the rally sites may be affected by the demonstrations, but affirmed that the government will solve the problems in a peaceful way and in line with democratic principles.

Earlier on January 7, Thai Army chief Prayuth Chan-ocha said the government will be responsible for any violence that might occur during the anti-government demonstrations.

He also rejected allegations that soldiers and armaments sent to Bangkok this week were aimed at staging a coup.

The army chief reiterated that he did not support the use of violence, asking those involved in the conflict to work out a solution.

Nearly 15,000 police and soldiers will be deployed in the Thai capital next week for the planned "shutdown", said national police spokesman Piya Uthayo on January 8, adding that their goal is to prevent any violence or clashes.

Bangkok city authorities have instructed 146 schools to close on January 13 because of the shutdown.

Caretaker Yingluck Shinawatra said the government is ready to declare a state of emergency if needed.-VNA