Thai King Bhumibol Adulyadej called on Sunday for unity in his politically divided nation ahead of a general election due to restore civilian rule.
"It is widely known the current situation is unpredictable. We can say that if Thais have a lack of awareness for the country, unity, we all may face calamity," King Bhumibol said at the annual trooping the colour in Bangkok.
"Therefore, I ask all soldiers and all Thais in every circle to contemplate whether the country deserves your protection. If you think so, please consciously stay honest, minimise prejudices and strengthen kindness and unity," he said.
King Bhumibol, who celebrates his 80th birthday on Wednesday, was referring to fears that the December 23 election could polarise the country between supporters of former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra and those of the military which ousted him last September.
The worst-case scenario envisages bloodshed, making further military intervention inevitable, some analysts say. Thaksin, now living in exile in London, won landslide election victories in 2001 and 2005 and is still hugely popular in the countryside where the majority of Thais live.
He faces corruption charges, which he denies, brought by a special investigation launched by the generals who accused him of presiding over rampant graft. Thaksin's party was dissolved and 111 of its leading officials, including him, were barred from politics for five years for election fraud.
But the People Power Party, which his supporters took over, is likely to win the most seats in the election but fall short of an absolute majority, analysts say.
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