Thai diplomats asked to explain coup to foreign countries

Thai military junta chief Prayuth Chan-ocha on Wednesday instructed Thai ambassadors and consuls- general to explain to foreign countries reasons for staging the May 22 coup and the junta's roadmap leading to elections.

While meeting in Bangkok with 23 Thai envoys deployed in more than 20 countries, including the United States, Australia, France, Japan and Germany, Prayuth asked them to explain Thailand's situation to foreign governments and the military's three-step roadmap comprising reconciliation, reform and elections.

The National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) and agencies are endeavoring to solve problems for the sake of national interests, Prayuth said, adding the NCPO wants to pave the way for true democracy featuring fully-functioning checks and balances among the executive, legislative and judiciary branches.

It is impossible for all countries to support the NCPO, but there is no need to oppose those with dissenting views, Prayuth said, stressing that the NCPO is duty-bound to create an understanding.

In a related development, a Thai military delegation led by deputy Permanent Secretary for Defense Surasak Kanchanarat and Supreme Commander Thanasak Patimaprakorn reportedly left for China on Wednesday.

During the visit, the delegation will attend a security forum in Beijing, Surasak said, adding the two countries will assess cooperation and plan future projects like joint military drills.

The delegation is ready to explain Thailand's political situation to China if the issue comes up, he said.