Every sector should join forces in restoring peace in society and step aside from all conflicts to rebuild the confidence of both Thais and foreigners, he said.

Chawalit said he agreed with Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha that election was not an absolute answer. The rules and regulations underpinning it were as important, he said, adding that an election should be held under democratic rules.

The country’s gross domestic product growth has been the lowest in Asean in the past three years, he said. He blamed the undemocratic current rule for the sluggish economy, saying the global stagnation could not be cited as an excuse because the other nine Asean countries had been able to thrive.