Thai general who led coup says he has royal endorsement

By Paula Hancocks and Jethro Mullen, CNN

May 26, 2014 -- Updated 0450 GMT (1250 HKT)

Bangkok, Thailand (CNN) -- The general who seized control of Thailand in a coup last week received royal endorsement on Monday to run the politically unstable country.

Dressed in a white uniform and flanked by more than a dozen other military officials, Gen. Prayuth Chan-ocha addressed reporters in Bangkok after receiving the endorsement, telling them his junta would set up a committee to introduce reforms.

The Thai military carried out the coup Thursday following months of unrest that destabilized the elected government and caused outbursts of deadly violence in Bangkok. But the sudden move has been criticized by human rights activists and foreign governments, including the United States.

Is Thailand safe for tourists?

CNN's Paula Hancocks reported from Bangkok, and Jethro Mullen reported and wrote from Hong Kong.