This past year has been a rough road for the ruling NCPO. The economy has dragged while the alarming human rights situation has drawn international pressure. Meanwhile domestic politics remain filled with drama despite tough regulations. But all in all, the NCPO has ridden out the storm and is now entering the final straight of its road map.

Having made great efforts to combat abuses within the fishing sector, the military-led government reaped the benefit earlier this year when the US State Department lifted Thailand from the bottom-rung Tier 3, to Tier 2 Watchlist status in its Trafficking in Persons (TIP) report. Since then, the junta has consistently cited the report to defend itself from charges of human rights abuse – despite it having nothing to do with the pressing concerns over freedom of expression in Thailand.

The TIP promotion has helped it to fend off more general pressure on rights.

Meanwhile the NCPO also managed to win its constitution-referendum battle this year, achieving perhaps its greatest victory since seizing power in 2014. With a majority voting in favour of the draft charter, the junta has been able to claim the credit and also cite popular endorsement for its rule. The referendum result, in which nearly 17 million voters said yes to the military-sponsored charter, undoubtedly gave the NCPO and its head General Prayut Chan-o-cha real confidence.

The result came as a shock to the pro-democracy movement, where many had expected a majority “no” vote. The outcome was a bitter pill, but it had to be swallowed if they were to uphold their democratic principles.

The NCPO is on a self-declared mission to cleanse the corruption plaguing the country, but it has been rocked by scandals of its own. Cases involving Prayut’s sister-in-law and nephew drew allegations of patronage and nepotism while Defence Minister General Prawit Wongsuwan was accused of extravagance at the expense of the taxpayer over his trip to Hawaii.

But the stigma has faded fast as our whirring news cycle churned up fresh drama.

As 2016 hit the home straight, Thais met with a national tragedy that made other events seem insignificant. The loss of your father puts things into perspective.

However, after a successful transition in which the NCPO played its part, the country will enter 2017 under a new King.

The main point of concern for the junta now is the ailing economy. But as long as the nation remains in mourning, the voices of complaint will be drowned out by the sombre mood.

As we move into 2017, attention will shift to passing organic laws in preparation for the return to civilian rule, and the election that will get us there. People will no longer expect much from the NCPO, as bread-and-butter issues and national reconciliation will give way to a singular focus on the promised election.

In the meantime, the junta can relax and continue conducting aerobics sessions in front of Government House and other publicity stunts. All it has to do now is coast along until the election next year, when hopefully it will step down peacefully.