Bangkok, Sep 15 (IANS): Thai Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha Monday officially began working from his office at Government House, after delivering his government's policy statement to the National Legislative Assembly (NLA) last week.

Prayuth came into power after toppling former prime minister Yingluck Shinawatra who has been accused of negligence of duty in overseeing a controversial rice-pledging scheme.

Prayuth, leader of Thailand's military coup, was declared prime minister May 22, the Bangkok Post reported.

Prayuth May 13 declared martial rule in the country and called on the public not to panic, saying that the military would maintain peace and order and bring the situation back to normal.

Following the martial rule, Prayuth May 15 declared a coup in Bangkok and seized power from the caretaker government in order to prevent tensions.

Following the coup, the country's constitution was temporarily suspended and the government terminated, but the senate and independent agencies were able to perform duties.

He then declared himself to be the interim prime minister.

It is the 12th military coup in Thailand since the end of absolute monarchy in 1932.