Thread: Junta Leader To Hold Power 'Indefinitely'

Thailand elections not for a year, says coup leader



Gen Prayuth Chan-ocha says Thailand needs a period of stability after months of unrest


Thailand turmoil

• In pictures
• In 60 secs: Thailand's coup Watch
• How coup happened
• Why did military act?

The leader of Thailand's military coup has ruled out elections for more than a year, to allow time for political reconciliation and reform.

In a televised address, Gen Prayuth Chan-ocha called on all sides to co-operate and stop protesting to make the plan succeed.

The military seized power in Thailand on 22 May, saying it wanted to return stability after months of unrest.

The coup leaders received royal endorsement on Monday.

"The (ruling military regime) have a timeframe of one year and three months to move towards elections," Gen Prayuth said.

"Enough time has been wasted on conflict," he added.

Gen Prayuth said a first phase of about three months would focus on "reconciliation" with a cabinet and new draft constitution put in place.

Reforms would then be introduced over a second, year-long, period and only after this could elections be held, he added.

Thailand's military stepped in after six months of political deadlock as protesters tried to oust the government of Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra.

At least 28 people were killed and several hundred injured over the course of the protests.

Since taking power the military has summoned and detained dozens of key political figures, including Ms Yingluck.

Journalists and academics are also among those who have been called in.

Gen Prayuth has also said that he would have no choice but to use force if protests continued


BBC News - Thailand elections not for a year, says coup leader

They say this now - 15 months. Wonder how far this will be extended?

Their present Financial wunderkind blew things big time in 2006. Wonder what tricks he'll pull this time round?

International reaction, especially financial?...

SET experienced a mild shock on the first trading day (Friday 23rd), then recovered Monday and stayed green through the week.

Yes when he who waites gets his wish then there will be a new dawn.

Originally Posted by nevets

Yes when he who waites gets his wish then there will be a new dawn.

Well....
Let's get comfortable with it and move on.