While the format of the session will be finalised later by Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-o-cha, he yesterday hinted that his junta would position itself as a “political neutraliser”, as always, amid various parties and figures.

“I don’t have conflict with anyone. I won’t be involved with the election and those [political] things,” Prayut said at his weekly news briefing. “And I haven’t allowed their political movements yet.”

Prayut referred to the enforcement of NCPO Order No 7/2014, which banned political gatherings of more than five people after the coup three years ago. The junta has prohibited not only political assemblies but also parties and groups from holding formal meetings.

While the political parties’ functions have been almost in hiatus, the ruling junta claims it has attempted to push for political reconciliation, asking political blocs for administrative opinions, which would subsequently be made into “an agreement of truth” to be accepted by all sides.

Government Spokesman Lt-General Sansern Kaewkamnerd said that during the press session the NCPO would narrate its supporting role though video-clip presentations.

Meanwhile, Assistant Government Spokeswoman Colonel Taksada Sangkachan said Prayut initiated the government’s new public relations approach in a bid to improve public understanding of the regime.

The prime minister and his deputies will be in charge of policy explanations, Taksada said.

There will also be spokespersons for each working group on security, the economy, social issues, law, foreign affairs, and PR in general.

Ministers and ministerial spokespersons are also counted as having key roles in the military-led regime, with each ministry expected to issue a weekly press release, she added.