BANGKOK, Thailand – Thailand's junta chief on Friday (May 30th) ruled out elections for at least a year to allow time for political "reforms", AFP reported.

In his first televised address since announcing the army takeover, General Prayuth Chan-ocha said the new military regime planned to return the nation to democracy in about 15 months.

He said a roughly three-month first phase would focus on "reconciliation" in the divided nation. A cabinet and new draft constitution would then be put in place to enact reforms during a year-long second phase.

"Stage three is a general election under an absolute democratic system that is acceptable to all sides," he said.

He defended the army's seizure of power on May 22nd, claiming it was needed to restore stability to the kingdom, amid widespread international condemnation of the move.