Army chief Prayuth Chan-ocha on Thursday did not rule out the possibility of a military coup, while expressing his concern over the current political situation, particularly the growing violence.
The army chief said this when asked about the possibility of a coup in the current situation, in an interview at army HQ after chairing the monthly meeting of commanders of army units this afternoon.
Gen Prayuth said a coup could happen, but would depend on the situation and timing. He believed that at this stage, nobody would listen to the military even if they did stage a coup.
"The military does not shut or open the door to a coup, but a decision depends on the situation.
"The military is now adhering to peaceful means and trying to place itself in a neutral position, not taking sides. We are not doing anything to interfere with the work of the authorities, while looking to take care of the people," Gen Prayuth said.
The army chief called for all sides to stop violence, saying that from what happened yesterday at the Thai-Japanese sports complex at Din Daeng it was apparent that some group of people resorted to violence and inciting a state of chaos, the same way as that in 2010.
The military, he said, will do what they can to prevent violence. "We want the two sides to stop creating further conflict," he added.
"I have not been indifferent to the situation, but I can't say anything much. Soldiers will be firm to upholding righteousness and creating an atmosphere of safety," he said.
Gen Prayuth said an investigation must be conducted to take action against wrongdoers in yesterday's violence.