“As you know, campaigns can be frustrating, so when should they really be held? If campaigning starts today, they [politicians] will only be scolding each other,” the premier said after a Cabinet meeting. “Everybody first has to understand the steps provided under the [junta’s] road map.”

The charter, organic laws and procedures on preparing for elections must first be put in place before candidates are selected and conducting campaigns, he said.

Prayut added that if the new constitution and organic laws somehow failed to go into effect in line with the road-map timetable, then it would simply mean that things could not be completed as stated in the road map.

He said he could not draw any conclusions from the government’s efforts to follow the political calendar because there were many draft laws awaiting deliberation.

“And who said I postponed the road map? Those who want to oust me or those pushing for an earlier election should first explain what they’ll do to reform the country or solve the country’s problems,” he said.

The country has been under military rule since May 2014, when the Army seized power after months of political turmoil and mass demonstrations.

Earlier this week, the junta-appointed NLA suggested it would need at least 15 months to finalise new election laws, which would push the planned poll back to mid-2018.

The premier, who led the deposing of the last elected government, also lashed out at political parties for demanding an election in the near future following remarks from the NLA that the election might be held next year. The parties have been calling on the junta to keep its promise to hold elections late this year.

Prayut, however, hit back by saying the parties were only hungry to return to power and had no idea how they would solve the country’s long-standing problems or address the reform agenda like his government has been doing.

“They never did what ought to have been done and here we are solving what they left for us,” Prayut said. “Go and find out who is able to take over after me. Whoever takes over will have to address these issues like I have been doing. He will also have to answer to me.”

“Fighting with you [politicians] is a waste of time. But I’m tolerant because I play the part of a bridge for the people to cross. I won’t give up,” he said.

He went on to say that more reforms had to be completed and that if politicians wanted the elections to be held soon, then they should cooperate with him on addressing national reforms. “I have promised to return happiness to the people, but whether [elections will be held] sooner or later will depend on the process. The road map is the road map. Don’t listen to what anyone else might have to say,” the prime minister said.

Foreign Minister Don Pramudwinai said that even if the election is deferred, it would not have an effect on the international community’s posture towards Thailand.

“They will understand and acknowledge the development of the country. Any changes won’t affect their confidence, so it’s not necessary to have an official explanation,” he said.

However, other government figures denied suggestions that a general election planned for this year would be postponed until mid-2018.

Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwan told reporters there was no change to the junta’s road map to return the country to democracy and civilian rule with an election later this year.

“We can’t move it. It has its timetable. Please don’t imagine [things]. There’s no point to postpone [it],” Prawit, who is also defence minister, told reporters.

Army chief General Chalermchai Sittisart also said the lawmakers’ remarks were mere personal opinions that should not be taken as an official position. There was no reason to postpone the election, he said.