Thailand abstains in UN vote

Monitors at the United Nations General Assembly hall display a vote on a resolution condemning the annexation of parts of Ukraine by Russia, amid Russia's invasion of Ukraine, at the United Nations Headquarters in New York City, New York, U.S., October 12, 2022. (Reuters photo)

Thailand has abstained from a vote to condemn Russia's annexation of four eastern regions of Ukraine, citing concerns that it would reduce the chances for diplomacy to bring about a negotiated solution to the crisis.

The kingdom was among 35 countries including China, India, Laos and Vietnam that abstained while 143 such as the US, Singapore, Cambodia, and the Philippines voted to condemn Russia's incorporation of Donetsk, Kherson, Luhansk, and Zaporizhzhia into Russia.