Army chief Prayuth Chan-ocha dispensed parting words to unit commanders Monday, urging them to complete projects started by the National Council for Peace and Order even after he retires Sept. 30.
In likely his last meeting with commanders, Gen Prayuth, who now was royally endorsed as prime minister Aug 25, instructed all military units to lend support to, and perform works that are in line with, NCPO and government policies in order to maintain consistency in peace-keeping and conflict-resolution missions, as well as foster reconciliation in society.
Prime Minister and outgoing army chief Prayuth Chan-ocha. (Bangkok Post photo)
Resistance groups are still active, he warned.
He urged soldiers to disseminate information about national development strategies and state administration to the people, help allay their grievances and get them to participate in the country's reform.
He stressed that the current campaign to restore order in different areas of society, such as crackdowns on corruption, illicit drugs and forest depletion, must be implemented.
He also ordered the Internal Security Operations Command to survey property allotted to poor, landless farmers by past governments because ownership has changed in some cases, which was not the purpose of the scheme. The survey's findings would be used to file lawsuits against lawbreakers.
"I thank you all military men who dedicated to, and are determined in, performing your missions in order to keep peace and order in the country which is an honourable duty," the NCPO chief said.
"Adhere to works that serve the interests of the public, Adhere to the military's work systems. Help develop the armed forces and move forward the country and make the people happy."