Privy Council president Prem Tinsulanonda on Thursday morning opened his Sisao Thewes residence for Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, cabinet members and chiefs of the military and police forces to give him their New Year blessing.
Many other high-level government officials were also present.
In his New Year greeting, Gen Prayut, also chairman of the National Council for Peace and Order, praised Gen Prem for his experience, ability and loyalty to the royal institution and wished him strong health and a good life.
Gen Prem, in return, thanked Gen Prayut, Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Prawit Wongsuwon, and all other cabinet members for their tireless sacrifice for the country during the past few years.
He advised them to look up at the picture of late King Bhumbol Adulyadej whenever they felt exhausted by the work, and remember the many words of good advice he had given the people.
Gen Prem then talked to the heads of all the armed forces and Royal Thai Police before having a private meeting with Gen Prayut lasting about 15 minutes.