"His Majesty has explained to the Thai people urging them to learn the meaning of unity and embrace it in order to ensure peace and happiness for everyone," General Prem Tinsulanonda said.

This was the key message from Prem to well-wishers lining up to congratulate him on his 86th birthday.

The well-wishers included caretaker Defence Minister Thamarak Isarangura, top commanders of the three armed forces and national police chief General Kowit Watana.

Prem called for unity among the military leaders, saying it was a most important attribute to enable the armed forces to protect the nation and contribute to society.

"Soldiers must safeguard the country and the monarchy, and military leaders owe it to their subordinates to lead by example of being just," he said.

Turning to remarks about police, Prem said he understood the heavy burden placed on every police officer.

"Police officers are obliged to uphold justice and in order to accomplish this they have to abide by professional ethics at all times," he said, urging them to live up to the public's expectations.