Former British prime minister Tony Blair wants to see an election take place in Thailand next year, according to government spokesman Yongyuth Mayalarp.
Dr Yongyuth spoke to the press after Mr Blair and Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha held a one-hour meeting at Government House yesterday.
Former British prime minister Tony Blair shakes hands with Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha during a courtesy call at Government House yesterday. Chanat Katanyu
Dr Yongyuth said Mr Blair, who is on a private trip to Thailand, paid a courtesy call on Gen Prayut.
Mr Blair took the meeting as an opportunity to tell Gen Prayut that he wants to see Thailand move forward and the best way to do this would be to hold a general election sometime next year.
Gen Prayut used the occasion to brief Mr Blair on the current political situation in Thailand.
He told Mr Blair that the government is embarking on reforms towards restoring democracy, improving the economy and healing divisions in the country.
Problems in these areas have existed in Thailand for more than a decade, according to Dr Yongyuth.
Mr Blair told the prime minister that he understands the problems facing Thailand, said Dr Yongyuth.
The former British prime minister also said that he understands Thai politics divides the country and that it differs from other nations.
Mr Blair informed Gen Prayut that it would be advisable for the Thai government to explain to foreign countries as quickly as possible what the political and economic situation is like in Thailand at present.
The government spokesman said Mr Blair wants the prime minister to oversee the basic needs of the people, such as health and education, to give them a better way of life.