Gen Chalermchai said the security situation has been fairly stable although anti-government elements were staging movements "to stir up trouble". Interviewed on New Year's Day by Thai media, Gen Chalermchai pledged the army would never again seize power - because it would not have to. Gen Chalermchai said the prime minister has made it clear he will only invoke Section 44 powers as necessary. Gen Prayut, meanwhile, said his goal this year was to see through important government tasks which are still not finished. It does not follow that the exercise of people's rights and freedom can go unchecked, as this could lead to conflicts, Gen Prayut said.

Source: Bangkok Post April 12, 2017 21:11 UTC