Thailand's newly appointed Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin met with his predecessor, Prayut Chan-o-cha, at Government House on Thursday.

Srettha said Prayut asked him to move past recent conflicts, so the country can move forward.

Srettha will soon form a coalition government with 11 parties, including conservative ones close to the military.

Observers say he is aiming for a smooth transition of power by highlighting his reconciliation with Prayut.

Following a closed meeting, Srettha told reporters that Prayut had asked him to take care of, and protect the country and the people, the religion and the monarchy.

As an army general, Prayut spearheaded a coup in 2014, and remained in power for nine years.

The Pheu Thai coalition government excludes the Move Forward Party, which won the most seats in the election. The coalition does include pro-military parties that had been at odds with the Pheu Thai.

The choice of prime minister has stirred some criticism among the public.