Coup 'failed to get things back on track'

"The political divide persists, and parties concerned should take part in forging reconciliation," he said, marking the second anniversary of the September 19 seizure of power in which he became interim prime minister.

He said that under his interim government the political crisis had dissipated somewhat but several issues remained unsolved. He urged the people to raise their own awareness of politics at the national and local levels in order to safeguard their interests.

Voters hold the key to screening and electing competent and honest leaders, he said, for if voters could make informed judgements when casting votes, then national and local governments would be run by good and just politicians. Because of the flawed electoral system, many local governments are presently plagued by corruption, he said. He called on the opposing camps to heed the royal advice on unity. It is the collective responsibility of everyone to forge national unity, without which the country cannot advance, he said.

Coup leader General Sonthi Boonyaratklin said he had no comment on the power seizure and its outcome.

Sonthi refused to answer any questions relating to the political situation and the Somchai Wongsawat government.

He said he was enjoying his retirement and going to make the Hajj to Mecca.