In his first exclusive interview with foreign media, junta chief Prayuth Chan-ocha said Thailand could hold elections before the end of 2015 yesterday.
Speaking to Japanese state broadcaster NHK, Prayuth said the junta was following the plan he laid out after seizing power nearly 10 months ago.
“We’re working on the roadmap that we laid out,” Prayuth said in a translation provided by NHK. “After drafting the bill and the constitution, we will prepare for the election as early as the end of this year or the beginning of next year.”
After the coup, the former general originally indicated power would be returned to the people before the end of 2015 but has since signaled that was unlikely to happen.
“Political rivalry between opposition and government created social disparity. This continued for nearly 10 years and it created deep social conflict,” he said. “I’m trying to create national unity and solidarity. Martial law in Thailand is helping to bring stability and security to the country and the people.”
Prayuth is on a three-day visit to Japan, where he was met by a small group of protesters denouncing his autocratic rule. It’s unknown whether he discussed figures residing in Japan that are wanted by the junta, such as Pavin Chachavalpongpun, an academic at Kyoto University.
In the NHK interview, the former army chief said Thailand needs help from the international community while it’s restoring the economy.
“Give me time to restore democracy. I want to enjoy the benefit of democracy as much as other countries do. Please help Thailand and ASEAN to develop our reach,” he said.
Japan continues to seek a role in developing Thailand’s rail network, an interest that survived the removal of Thailand’s civilian government.
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