BANGKOK, June 13 (UPI) -- Thailand's military junta leader, Gen. Prayuth Chan-ocha announced Friday that an interim government would be formed by September.
He reiterated his projected time frame, shared via televised address on May 30, for government reforms and elections.
Within three months, the country will draft a new constitution. He has previously referred to this as the first phase, during which time the country will also focus on reconciliation efforts and replace Cabinet ministers.
Following reforms, which he estimated could take a year, general elections can be held.
Gen. Prayuth Chan-ocha led a military coup on May 22 after warning that continued violent unrest would force the military to intervene.
Anti-government protests, led by the People's Democratic Reform Committee, began in November 2013. The protesters sought the removal of Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra, whom they accused of acting on behalf of her brother, ousted former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra.
Following six months of protests, Yingluck was removed from her position as prime minister in early May by a Constitutional Court ruling that found her guilty of abuse of power.
The opposition Democrat Party then rallied for the removal of her caretaker government and called for an unelected interim government.
At least 28 people died during the course of the protests.
