The military junta is urging civilians not to dress in military-style clothing, as it set out on its campaign to promote reconciliation by visiting a red-shirt stronghold.
Former key anti-government figures, including Suthep Thaugsuban, in white shirt, held a party on Thursday night at which many sported military-style gear and camouflage clothing. (Photo from Chitpas Kridakorn via Instagram)
Col Winthai Suvaree, an NCPO spokesman, said that some people who wore military uniforms did inappropriate things or broke the law. This could cause others to have the wrong impression of the army, he said.
"We would like the general public to cooperate by avoiding wearing military or military-like uniforms for now," he said. "This also goes for both men and women who want to don military clothing as a fashion statement."
The latter comment was believed to refer indirectly to a party staged on Thursday by former anti-government protest leaders, many of whom showed up in camouflage shirts. The event, held at an expensive French restaurant, prompted widespread outrage both for its timing and the participants' fashion choices.
Meanwhile, troops have begun an effort to promote reconciliation among the conflicting sides in the months-long political standoff that prompted the military to take over on May 22.
Officers on Saturday morning visited a neighbourhood in Pathum Thani's Lam Luk Ka district that was fiercely loyal to the former government.
The troops, led by Maj Gen Kukiart Srinakha, commander of the 2nd Infantry Division of the King's Guard, went to a fresh market near the so-called Red Guard community radio station run by red-shirt activist and lese majeste fugitive Wutthipong "Ko Tee" Kochthammakhun.
Free medical services, haircuts, children's toys, ice-cream and beverages were offered to people in the area. Presentations of His Majesty the King's royal projects were also displayed.
Wipawan At-sopha, a Lum Luk Ka resident, said she was glad that the military was organising activities to promote unity and create a better understanding of the political situation.
"Activities of this nature should be organised more frequently to ease people's stress in connection with politics," said Ms Wipawan.
In the heart of Bangkok on the same day, another group of soldiers organised a concert at Santi Chaiprakan, an 8-rai public park on Ta Phra Arthit Road near the mouth of Khlong Bang Lum Pu.
The concert aims to bring back happiness to the people, many of whom enjoyed the activity.
Gen Prayuth Chan-ocha, the Army chief and head of the NCPO, said on Friday night that he expected the reconciliation process to take two to three months. After that, an interim government would be named and work would begin on national reforms for about a year before an election could be held.
Soldiers entertain people at Santi Chaiprakan park on Saturday. (Photos by Pattarapong Chatpattarasill)
