Army chief Prayuth Chan-ocha said on Friday that a military coup could not be ruled out, while expressing concern over the current political situation, particularly the growing violence.
Army chief Prayuth Chan-ocha poses for a group photo with soldiers fromHRH Crown PrinceMaha Vajiralongkorn’s royal guardunit,whichwon the army’s annual ‘‘ultimate soldier’’ competition.Gen Prayuth later met reporters to express concern about the country’s political crisis. THITI WANNAMONTHA
The army chief made the remark in an interview at army headquarters after chairing the monthly meeting of army unit commanders.
Gen Prayuth said a coup could happen, but would depend on the situation and timing. He believed that at this stage nobody would listen to the military even if it did stage a putsch.
"The military does not shut or open the door to a coup, but a decision depends on the situation," Gen Prayuth said.
"The military is now adhering to peaceful means and trying to place itself in a neutral position, not taking sides. We are not doing anything to interfere with the work of the authorities, while looking to take care of the people."
The army chief called for all sides to end the violence, saying that after Thursday's clash between police and protesters at the Thai-Japanese Stadium in Din Daeng it was apparent that a certain group of people was inciting chaos, the same way as in 2010.
The armed forces will do what they can to prevent violence, he said.
"We want the two sides to stop creating further conflict. I have not been indifferent to the situation, but I can't say anything much. Soldiers will be firm upholding righteousness and creating an atmosphere of safety."
Gen Prayuth said an investigation must be conducted to take action against the culprits of Thursday's violence.
The deaths in clashes at Ramkhamhaeng University on Nov 30 must also be probed, he added.
When asked whether the Feb 2 election will take place, Gen Prayuth said he could not comment on the matter because it rested with the Election Commission (EC).
"If the election is held, I will vote [on polling day]," he said.
When asked if the Centre for the Administration of Peace and Order had requested soldiers take care of the election, he said that while soldiers could not enter polling stations, a law empowered soldiers to stand outside them.