Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha has denied criticism he wants to cling to power to see the government's 20-year-national strategy through to the end.
Speaking at a seminar organised by the Thai Chamber of Commerce (TCC) on Sunday, Gen Prayut said poverty, injustice, and inequality are fundamental problems that remain unsolved, and measures to address these issues are included in the national strategy.
He rejected criticism by anti-government elements that the 20-year national strategy is designed to pave the way for him to hang on to power.
"Efforts have been made to distort the intention [of the strategy]. I insist that I do not want to cling on to power over the next 20 years," Gen Prayut told the TCC forum.
He said the strategy is designed to cover all aspects of the country's national development and is for the sake of the country's future.
Among matters addressed by the strategy are national security, economic development, social equality and environmental concerns. The strategy makes it legally binding for future governments to ensure budgets and policies are aligned with it.
But critics have warned the development plan over the next 20 years will act as what some have termed "a straitjacket" for future governments, crippling their ability to respond and adapt to changing circumstances.
They also said it was unfair that the government is making plans to force the hand of future elected governments for the next 20 years. Policies to be declared in parliament by new governments will need to toe the line set by the national strategy.
However, Deputy Prime Minister Wissanu Krea-ngam previously said the national strategy law stipulates that it can be reviewed and adjusted every five years to respond to changing circumstances.
