The armed forces agree with embattled caretaker Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra that a new election is needed to return the country to normalcy provided the Election Commission can ensure a trouble-free poll.
The military top brass made their position known following talks yesterday with Ms Yingluck, who is also caretaker Defence Minister. The talks took place ahead of a Defence Council meeting on Thursday, a military source said.
Top military leaders, including army chief Gen Prayuth Chan-ocha, believed a new election could provide a way out of the current political crisis and help "return the country back to normal," the source said.
Navy chief Adm Narong Pipattanasai and air force chief ACM Prajin Jantong were also present at the meeting with Ms Yingluck.
The armed forces stand ready to support the election but said the Election Commission must ensure there is no repetition of the disruption by anti-government protesters which eventually led to the nullification of the Feb 2 election.
At the Defence Council meeting, Ms Yingluck expressed concerns about security in Bangkok, the main base for the protesters, and the southern insurgency.