Reforms first, then polls, says Prayuth

Bangkok

THAI army chief General Prayuth Chan-ocha set out his plans for the country yesterday, a day after seizing power in a coup, saying reforms are needed before an election, but some Thais defied martial law to show opposition to his takeover.

Gen Prayuth launched his coup after rival factions refused to give ground in a struggle for power between the royalist establishment and a populist government that had raised fears of serious violence and damaged the economy.

Soldiers detained several politicians from both sides after Gen Prayuth announced the military takeover, which drew swif…