Privy Council chairman Prem Tinsulanonda urged commanders of the armed forces and police to unite to defend the country and boost the morale of their forces.
Gen Prem said this in part of his speech to top brass, led by Defence Minister Sukumpol Suwanatat, who called on him at his Si Sao Theves residence to give him a New Year's blessing.
"Many people may think our country has been divided. But, in fact, there is no division just differences of opinion. A difference of opinion is not an obstacle to love and unity of the people in the country. What is the obstacle is that we tend to look on other people who hold a different opinion from us as being bad.
"The morale of the people in the country is of great significance. The armed forces must set an example by building up the morale of their personnel," he said.
Earlier today, Gen Thanasak Patimaprakorn, the supreme commander, led Gen Prayuth Chan-ocha, the national army chief, ACM Prajin Jantong, the air force chief, Adm Surasak Roonroengrom, the navy chief, Pol Gen Adul Saengsingkaew, the police chief, and Pol Lt-Gen Kamronwit Thoopkrachang, the metropolitan police chief, to call on ACM Sukumpol for New Year's blessings.
ACM Sukumpol then led the top brass to call on Gen Prem.
ACM Sukumpol Suwanatat, left, Gen Prem Tinsulanonda, centre, and Gen Prayuth Chan-ocha, right (Photo by Chanat Katanyu).