WASHINGTON, Oct 8, 2008 (AFP) - The United States expressed regret Wednesday over deadly clashes in Thailand between police and anti-government protesters and called for a respect to the rule of law.

Two people were killed and hundreds injured in the street clashes on Tuesday outside parliament in Bangkok following months of protests aimed at removing the elected government.

'We regret yesterday's violence and are disturbed by reports that some demonstrators instigated violence against the police,' a US State Department official said.

'We urge all parties to respect the rule of law and address their differences within Thailand's democratic institutions,' the official told AFP, speaking on condition of anonymity.

The official also asked protestors to 'peacefully express their views in a manner that does not impede the functioning of a democratically elected parliament and government.'

Thai Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat met foreign ambassadors in Bangkok Wednesday to try and calm fears of further unrest after the deadly clashes.

The clashes occurred when police fired tear gas into a crowd of thousands of protestors which led to angry mobs overturning police vehicles and firing guns.

The health ministry said that 455 people were injured, including 20 police personnel, some suffering gunshot wounds.

The violence capped months of political unrest as supporters of the People's Alliance for Democracy took to the streets since May to try and unseat the government.

They claim the administration is acting as a puppet for ousted premier Thaksin Shinawatra, who was ousted in a September 2006 coup.