After the election, a new government will be formed within two or three months, Prayut said.

Prayut said the process could start next year after the four organic laws necessary for elections were completed. At present, politics is on hold under an eight-month timeframe specified for the writing of the organic laws. There will also be a royal ceremony this year, Prayut said, although he did not specify what sort of ceremony would be held.

Prayut also urged everyone to respect the law, adding that the Constitution granted rights and freedoms for all, but the government still had to ensure law enforcement and prevent provocations that could lead to conflicts.