Bangkok Post : Prayuth: Pheu Thai-led govt acceptable

Prayuth: Pheu Thai-led govt acceptable

The mnilitary will accept the outcome if the Pheu Thai Party is able to form the next government after the general election, army chief Gen Prayuth Chan-ocha said on Friday

He said the army supports the election and all political parties were welcome to campaign for votes in the military barracks.

If the Pheu Thai Party is acceptable to the majority of Thai people, they army would have no reason not to accept it, Gen Prayuth said.

"Don't look down on the Thai people. Let's give them the opportunity to think, elect and make their own decisions. Don't give them too many guidelines. They are duty-bound to elect good people to take care of the country," he added.

Gen Prayuth said this to a meeting of commanders of army units from throughout the country. The meeting was called to brief them on the army's policies and the army's six-month work achievements.

The army chief said all unit commanders have been told to support the coming election, especially by providing security as requested.

However, they have been told to avoid involvement in election procedures, particularly the vote-counting process.

"The army will provide full cooperation to make sure the election is clean and fair. All army personnel and their family members are encouraged to go to the polls. All political parties are equally welcome to campaign in military units. I have made this a policy for all to comply with," Gen Prayuth said.