Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha says he has told world leaders that Thailand is currently making the adjustments it needs to bring about sustainable democracy.
Speaking on his weekly TV programme, Gen Prayut also expressed optimism that tourism would pick up as the country prepares to promote "Discover Thainess 2015".
"I had to attend important meetings at regional and international levels in different countries last week to strengthen bilateral ties and restore investor confidence," Gen Prayut said on the "Returning Happiness to the People" programme on Friday night.
Last week, the former army chief attended the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) Summit in Beijing and the 24th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) Summit in Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar.
He began his address by asking Thai people to remember that Nov 14 is the Father of Royal Rainmaking Day. His Majesty the King initiated the royal rain-making projects to help people, particularly farmers, suffering from water shortages, he said.
From left: Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, Gen Prayut, Vietnamese Premier Nguyen Tan Dung and US President Barack Obama wave at the Asean summit in Nay Pyi Taw. — Photo courtesy of Government House
Discussing his foreign mission, Gen Prayut said it was a good opportunity for the government to explain Thailand's current status to world leaders. They were briefed on economic policy, such as the promotion of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), investment plans for infrastructure and logistics, the construction of dual-track rail routes and preparation to advance the digital economy.
During his meeting with Chinese Prime Minister Li Keqiang at the Apec Summit, he said, the Chinese government expressed its interest in importing Thai agricultural goods including rice, para rubber and fruits.
Chinese investors had been invited to invest in Thailand's state projects. The Thai government would be happy to consider and support them but the process must be fair and transparent, he said.
"I reiterated to all delegates at the Apec Summit that Thailand is now adjusting itself and we're speedily implementing strategic plans that will lead to a strong, stable and sustainable democracy," said the military junta chief who took control on May 22.
He said he also met representatives of foreign businesses and asked them to support Thailand in different areas. For example, he said, factories should be situated in different provinces to ensure equal distribution of jobs and income. Foreign companies should also train Thai people and hire them to work in all levels, support research and development (R&D) and use resources in the country, he added.
"I had a chance to talk to Barack Obama who expressed his concerns. I thanked him and affirmed that the government would do its best," he said, referring to Washington's position that the country should return to an elected government as soon as possible.
"Russian President Vladimir Putin asked me about Thailand's situation and I said the country was orderly but we still need some time, and he understood.
"I told world leaders that Thailand is considerably peaceful, Thai people are happy and safe, and tourism has improved. Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said Japan plans to lift its travel advisory for visitors to Thailand," Gen Prayut said.
Key topics discussed at the Apec Summit included sustainable development, food and energy security, economic connectivity and free trade agreements (FTAs).
"For those who are concerned that Thailand will be at a disadvantage, I can assure you that even though our country is small, we give great importance to all deals," the premier said.
"They must be built on mutual trust and equal benefits. I don't them to end up like past agreements, in which the deals were made but nothing happened. I insist that no corruption will take place in all projects and all stakeholders must be informed."
At the Asean Summit, Gen Prayut said leaders discussed the formation of the Asean Economic Community (AEC) at the end of 2015. As well, they talked about ways to improve Asean people's daily lives, earnings and opportunities while reducing social gaps, poverty and various forms of crime. Also discussed were measures to tackle global issues such as Ebola, terrorism and climate change.
At the summit in Nay Pyi Taw, Thailand received praise from foreign delegates for its diplomatic efforts to help reduce tension in the South China Sea disputes and for improving ties between China and Asean countries, he said.
The prime minister also said overall economic conditions in the country had started to show positive signs. According to the 2014 Apec CEO Survey conducted by PricewaterhouseCoopers, Thailand was ranked the eighth most attractive country for investment in the region over the next three to five years.
Investors are still interested in doing business in Thailand but the government will have to develop other areas to raise the country's competitiveness, he said.
Tourism in Thailand had also started to pick with arrivals rising since October, he said, and hotel occupancy rated above those of a year earlier.
Official figures for October are expected to be released next week. Tourism Department data for the first nine months showed arrivals down 10% from a year earlier.
"Thailand is expected to welcome more than 25 million foreign tourists this year, and to promote the tourism sector further, the government has set 'Discover Thainess 2015' as next year's theme," Gen Prayut said.
"We'll promote the true nature of Thai people with our smiles and kindness toward one another. We can live together happily despite our differences. We can create happiness and share it with foreign tourists."