The man responsible for the coup d'etat that was imposed in Thailand last week said he received the endorsement of King Bhumibol Adulyadej that formalized his status of head of government. 

General Prayuth Chan-ocha, the army chief who led soldiers to take over the country after declaring martial law, delivered his first address to the nation on Monday. 

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During a news conference, Prayuth said that the Thai monarch has endorsed him to run a royal command that would reconcile the people. 

In one Associated Press report, Prayuth said that King Bhumibol was concerned about the increasing violence between demonstrators and members of the ousted government. The report also said that demonstrators repeatedly called on the army to intervene in the clashes. 

By virtue of the King's endorsement, the general said he will firmly impose law and order to improve Thailand's political situation. 

"When the conflict intensified, and there was the threat of violence, we had to act," Prayuth said during the press conference. 

Prayuth justified the military takeover that took place last Thursday. He said that he and his men had to step in to ensure and restore peace and order after seven months of violence between the two competing factions. 

The general said that the coup was intended to prevent further turmoil in the country because of the protracted political conflict that has engulfed Thailand. 

Prayuth said in his address that he is not going to argue with anyone and pointed out that the army's intentions are pure. He promised the Thai people that he and the military will remain transparent and have asked support from those will to help, instead of criticizing the junta. 

The military junta put the country under martial law and detained groups of people, mostly those allied with the ousted Yingluck government. It threw the constitution away, censored independent media and dissolved the Senate.

TagsGeneral Prayuth Chan-ocha, Martial Law, Thailand, King Bhumibol Adulyadej