DHAKA: A senior Thai general has told the BBC that last month’s military coup had not been planned in advance.

It comes after an opposition leader claimed the army had been discussing overthrowing the government for years.

Lt Gen Chatchalerm Chalermsukh also said those detained by the military since the coup were being treated well.

And he said controversial former PM Thaksin Shinawatra and his family could still return to Thai politics.

The military seized power in the south-east Asian nation on 22 May, saying it wanted to return stability to Thailand after months of political and social unrest.

It has promised a return to democracy, but only after it has carried out sweeping reforms of the political system.

Coup leaders, led by army commander Gen Prayuth Chan-ocha, said they intervened at the last minute to stop the country sliding into a more dangerous and violent political conflict.

BDST: 1325 HRS, JUNE 26, 2014