February 7, 2008
BANGKOK 008 - The CNS officially dissolved to make room for the elected government to take power.
The Council for National Security (CNS) admitted it failed to achieve its goal of erasing the influence of deposed premier Thaksin Shinawatra.
"The CNS was not able to achieve 100 percent of our goals under (the) circumstances," said the junta's leader, air force chief Chalit Pukbhasuk.
It hopes people will understand it has done its best though things did not live up to their expectations.
"There should not be any more coups, because that would affect our country's credibility while other socialist, dictatorial countries are pushing for democracy."
Chalit also vowed to work with the new government, even though Samak rebuffed their efforts to name a general as defence minister, according to AFP.
"National security affairs are not restricted to just the military. He can choose capable advisers in military affairs and we can work along with him. We must have confidence in democratic rule," he said.
However, General Sonthi Boonyaratglin who led the coup in September 2006 was not at the briefing attended by the other junta members.
Chalit also issued a statement apologising for any disruption caused by the coup.
