BANGKOK, May 24 (AFP) - A senior US envoy warned Monday that Thai-US relations could be damaged by a wave of outrage provoked by Washington's failure to support Thailand's WTO leadership bid. Ralph Boyce, deputy assistant secretary of state for east Asia and the Pacific, called for calm after meeting Foreign Minister Surin Pitsuwan for talks on the World Trade Organisation (WTO) leadership row. He was concerned that decades of good relations could be harmed by the WTO issue, seen in Thailand as a matter of national prestige. "I want to ask Thai people not to take this too seriously as it is not good for relations between our two countries," Boyce told reporters in fluent Thai. "I want them to think about the long relations between the two countries." Thailand, which considers itself a close US ally, has been stung by Washington's support for former New Zealand premier Mike Moore in the WTO race, ahead of Thai Commerce Minister Supachai Panitchpakdi. The US stance has provoked calls from some Thai politicians and the press for a reassessment of traditionally close relations with the US. Boyce said his visit was intended to show Thailand was regarded highly in Washington and that relations remained firm. "I am concerned over the WTO problem which makes Thai people think the relationship between the two countries is not good," he said. "The relationship between the two countries is still strong." Boyce said he was aware that Thais may not be happy with the US position but said he had come to Bangkok to hear their views. "This is to show that the US government realises the value of the relationship with Thailand," he said. During more than 90 minutes of talks with Surin, Boyce said he had agreed to find "appropriate measures to solve the problem" but did not give further details. He refused to be drawn on the US stance in the leadership race, saying it was not appropriate to speak while the selection process was going on. Surin said Boyce would deliver Thailand's sentiments to Washington and try to find an "acceptable" solution for everybody. "I think the US is giving prominence to our position, because they want to listen to us directly, they have shown sincerity and a desire to see this problem solved soon," he said. Thailand has called for a vote to end the deadlock over the leadership battle which has dragged on for months and split the WTO's 134 members down the middle. The Thai Foreign Ministry said last week that the WTO's ruling general council was expected to meet Wednesday to discuss the issue. Thailand claims it has secured the support of a majority of WTO members but Moore also believes he is winning the race. Supachai said Monday he had decided not to campaign in Geneva this week before the meeting. "I will not go to the meeting this Wednesday ... I don't think it will finish by Wednesday," he said. Supachai's office said he would instead attend a meeting in Hungary held by advocates of a new round of global trade talks. His backers, including Japan and most Asian nations, have vowed they will continue to support him despite US opposition. The WTO has been without a leader since Renato Ruggiero of Italy stepped down at the end of his term in April.  