Former prime minister and military strongman Suchinda Kraprayoon on Friday reminded parties concerned that the political predicament would not end so long as there was no reconciliation.
"Unless reconicilation can happen, the trouble will still persist," he said, speaking to well-wishers on his birthday.
Suchinda urged all sides to unify for the country's sake, voicing hope that the government could overcome the turmoil.
He gave his blessing for incoming Army chief General Prayuth Chan-ocha, saying he believed the man picked for the job would be well-qualified to carry the Army's torch.
He also aired his view that none of the military commanders wanted to get involved in politics/ But in the face of the prevailing trouble, should the military be required to assist in finding a solution, he believed it was necessary for Prayuth to have a free rein in naming his combat-unit commanders in order to consolidate his leadership and have the military voice carrying weight.