National reform requires changes in politics and people's mindset, Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha said during his speech on Thursday.
"Everyone is well aware that over the past three years Thai society faced various problems. We can't blame anyone because our country is a democratic one and there are elections. Therefore, we must implement political reform to get a government that is democratic, has good governance and is the government of all people," Gen Prayut said at the Bangkok Post Forum 2017 on "Sustainable Reform Transforming Thailand" at Centara Grand at Central Plaza Ladprao Hotel.
Also chief of the National Council for Peace and Order, Gen Prayut said that he took office to reform the nation and never thought of prolonging his power. Other countries, recognising what he is doing, have cooperated and do not blame his government, he said.
National reform also required cooperation from people, the prime minister said.
"Today it's not easy to do new things because some people are so unwavering in their beliefs. Some agree [with us] but others don't. I'm not saying that people must agree with everything but everyone can share the common stance that Thailand must be freed from this trap.
"Everyone must participate in national reform for the sake of sustainability and pull the nation out of the present condition quickly. We must free Thailand from the middle-income trap and we need comprehensive reform... Thai people must change to foster love and unity. This government is trying to solve past, present and future problems."
Gen Prayut also mentioned educational reform, saying that the nation could not progress without people development.
He also said that 20-year national strategies by his government would guide national reform and if the strategies were carried out well in their first five years, subsequent implementation would continue smoothly.
Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha at Bangkok Post Forum 2017. (Photos by Patipat Janthong and Wichan Charoenkiatpakul)