Thailand's Prayuth vows to appoint interim PM

Thai Army chief General Prayuth Chan-ocha (C) addresses reporters at the Royal Thai Army Headquarters in Bangkok May 26, 2014. [Photo/Agencies]

BANGKOK - Thai Gen. Prayuth Chan-ocha on Monday promised to appoint an interim Prime Minister and set up cabinet, but did not give a timeframe.

Thai coup leader to receive royal command Thai army chief announces military coup

Prayuth made the remarks at a press conference held after receiving a royal endorsement as the leader of the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) on Monday.

He sidestepped the question as whether he would become the Prime Minister himself, telling the reporter who asked the question to wait and see, reported the Nation online newspaper.

The NCPO also chief declined to say when the next election would be held, saying it depends on the situation.

Addressing the press conference, Prayuth called for public understanding over the coup, affirming sincere action aimed at easing unrest, adding that the NCPO will do the best to solve the problems.

Prayuth also emphasized the "full power" to rule, saying curfew will continue but with leniency while stressing focus on keeping peace.

The NCPO chief also called on media not to amplify conflicts.

"I'm not here to fight but fix. But I will do anything (in order to fix)," he said. "Excuse me any extra-tough measure. They are necessary."

"The less you allow me to speak, the more I'll be able to work. Please be calm and patient, like you have always been. Crisis has plagued the country for nine years now," the Nation quoted Prayuth as saying.

"All summoned are not suffering, but the accommodation let them know how soldiers live," Prayuth referred the situation of summoned figures made following the coup.