A military coup would not end the current political problems, and people should understand soldiers better than to expect such a development, says Army chief Prayuth Chan-ocha.
Speaking on a radio programme on Saturday, Gen Prayuth said the Army had to adhere to its role and could not be influenced by calls from any party. However, he added that soldiers would always be the people's last resort.
The Army chief called on the parties involved in the current conflict to solve political problems through legal means.
As the head of the Army, he said he was duty-bound to protect people from all groups in society as well as his subordinates on duty.
At present, Gen Prayuth told the Thai News Agency, the Army was maintaining order in compliance with instructions from the government's Centre for the Administration of Peace and Order.
He asked all parties to refrain from violent actions and said that the Army was ready to cope with any possible situations.