Thai army head and leader of the military coup General Prayuth Chan-Ocha gave his first address to the nation on May 26 after seizing power four days earlier.

It followed King Bhumibol Adulyadej’s endorsement of Chan-Ocha as head of a ruling military council.

He used the speech to advise demonstrators not to rally against the coup d‘état.

Fresh protests flared up in the Thai capital Bangkok a day earlier, with hundreds gathering to denounce the military takeover and demand elections.

But the general said it was not possible to apply normal democratic principles at this time and warned he would have no choice but to use force if rallies took place.

During his televised statement, General Chan-Ocha referred to a possible election, but gave no time-frame for a vote.

The army imposed martial law on May 20, before taking power two days later, after almost seven months of political unrest.