Despite the military coup, Thailand will continue to champion the cause of democracy in neighbouring countries, notably Burma, he said.

"The foreign policy aims to protect our national interests and maintain a just society in the interests of our people," Nitya said at his first press conference since taking office on Monday.

The ministry will also help the Council for National Security (CNR) produce a white paper to explain the situation and the justification for the coup.

The international community, led by the United States, has regarded last month's military coup as a major setback and has called for a quick restoration of democracy.

Nitya said he would take all opportunities bilaterally and multilaterally to explain the situation and the stance of the kingdom.

"This country is firmly convinced of parliamentary democracy as the form of government with His Majesty the King as the head of state," he said.

"We would like to govern ourselves and adhere to democratic principles, freedom of the press, liberty and the rule of law," he said.

Nitya said he would continue to develop relations with neighbouring countries in the framework of existing multilateral pacts including the Asia Co-operation Dialogue, the Ayeyawady Chao Phya Mekong Economic Co-operation Strategy and Asean.

But projects within those pacts must be implemented with transparency and fairness and not favour specific parties, he said.

Supalak Ganjanakhundee

The Nation