LONDON (AFP) - Britain expressed concern Thursday over the coup in Thailand and urged all sides to work together, but stopped short of condemning the seizure of power by the military.

The Foreign Office also urged tourists to follow travel advice after army chief General Prayut Chan-O-Cha announced the putsch on live TV, following months of political unrest.

"We are concerned at the announcement of a military coup in Thailand and are following developments closely," the Foreign Office said in a statement to AFP.

"We urge all sides to put aside their differences, and adhere to the values of democracy and the rule of law. This is clearly in the interests of the people of Thailand."

The Foreign Office added that the "ongoing political instability and the continued violence undermine Thailand's democratic framework."

French President Francois Hollande earlier condemned the coup but international reaction has otherwise been muted so far.