Thailand's prime minister says elections will be held in November 2017. Prayuth Chan-ocha is seeking to allay concerns that his military government might delay plans for a return to a civilian government.

"We reaffirm that we will follow the planned road map and we will hold the election in 2017. That's the important goal and that hasn't changed," said Thai Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-Ocha.

Prayuth is the army chief who headed the 2014 government take-over. He's promised elections next year before but until now did not specify when. The confirmation comes days after the country approved a military-backed constitution in a referendum by a clear majority. Critics say the charter was tailor-made for the military to retain control.  It provides for an appointed Senate which can choose a non-elected prime minister. Prayuth did not rule out becoming prime minister again. He told a reporter "not to be afraid of the ghost you can't see" at a news conference.