Foreign countries urged to understand Thailand better

BANGKOK, June 7 (TNA) - Army chief General Prayuth Chan-ocha, also head of the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO), has urged foreign countries to better understand Thailand following the May 22 bloodless coup which had toppled elected, civilian government. In his nationally broadcast TV programme late on Friday, General Prayuth said several foreign countries still misunderstood the kingdom and he wished others would have a better understanding as Thais “need time to build the country, create a democratic system which would help Thais to become more disciplined and truly understand the democratic system”. General Prayuth said he hoped every country would understand attempts being undertaken by the military to rebuild the country. His remarks were made after Australia, the U.S. and the European Union have condemned the military coup and cut aid to Thailand. Promising that the military would do what it had promised, General Prayuth went on to say that political conflicts in Thailand had continued for nine consecutive years and became more severe in the past six months. There was no justice in the society and that was why the military had to step in, he said, adding that martial law is still needed in order to make people respect the law. But the martial law would be enforced where it is necessary needed while every sector has to join hands in solving problems so that the country could return to the democratic system, General Prayuth said. Security is vital and everybody has to play a role, he said. It is not only the responsibility of the military and police. After it is achieved, relations with neighbouring countries, especially with fellow members in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and the rest would follow and strengthen. General Prayuth asked people not to believe that NCPO chief could be dictated because “I haven’t met anybody. I have, of course, received advises from several persons which would be used in solving the country’s cruxes”. (TNA)