Bangkok, May 29 (IANS): Thailand coup leader Prayuth Chan-ocha has issued guidelines for officials to pave the way for elections and full democracy in the country, army deputy spokeswoman Sirichan Ngathong said Thursday.
Sirichan said Prayuth, who is leader of the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO), issued his directions in a video conference with heads of various sections set up by the NCPO, the Bangkok Post reported Thursday.
Prayuth, in his guidelines, noted three steps to be taken by the authorities as soon as possible, without giving a specific time-frame.
The first directive was to quickly restore normal administration in the country.
The second directive seeks creation of favourable conditions, including the establishment of a legislative council and a reform council.
The third guideline tells officers to work towards holding elections under a full-fledged democracy.
He instructed heads of the six working sections under the NCPO to keep him well briefed on their progress, Sirichan said.
The Thai military junta leader also stressed that the new budget bill must be based on equality and urgency in responding to the people's needs, without causing a debt burden or breaching financial and monetary discipline.
On the legislative process and improvement of the justice system, Prayuth wanted to see strong enforcement of the law, the spokeswoman said.
The leader said the NCPO's advisory team members can submit their opinions to him through the council's secretariat for follow-up.
According to the Bangkok Post, Prayuth had no intention to block communications via social media such as Facebook, which went down briefly Wednesday.
Action would be taken only against websites which provoke conflict and divisiveness among the people, and that infringe on the monarchy, the spokeswoman added.
Winthai Suwari, the NCPO spokesman, said the council has not considered the appointment of a new prime minister or a cabinet. It would initially concentrate on restoring peace and order in the country and solving the people's immediate problems, as well as the establishment of a reconciliation centre.
Prayuth, who was later endorsed as chief of the NCPO, declared a coup May 22, and summoned prominent figures, including politicians, scholars, businessmen, among others.
The Thai military junta Wednesday announced the transfer of 24 more officers to inactive positions and also set out an eight-point plan for national administration.