It's been just over a week since Thailand's military declared a coup, but the Thai people have now been told it will be a whole year before democracy returns

The coup's leader General Prayuth Chan-Ocha said on Friday the country needs reconciliation between political factions before a general election will be held

The delay isn't welcomed by everyone

(SOUNDBITE) (Thai) A DOWNTOWN RESIDENT IDENTIFYING HERSELF AS 'MAY' SAYING;

"Too slow (to hold election after a year). I want it sooner than this because it has been delay for too long, for several month."

Some say the latest coup highlights the deep political divisions between those who support the Royalist establishment and those backing former premier Thaksin Shinawatra

(SOUNDBITE) (Thai) UNIDENTIFIED MAN SAYING;

"We have different ideas even between friends here. So we don't talk (politics) here. Otherwise we talk and fight."

Despite martial law and a ban on gatherings, small protests