Nay Pyi Taw, Nov 13 (IANS): UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon expressed concern over continuing martial law during a meeting with Thailand's Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-o-cha and urged a prompt return "to civilian rule and constitutional order" in that country, media reported Thursday.

At a meeting on the sidelines of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) summit in Myanmar's capital city of Nay Pyi Taw Wednesday night, Prayuth explained his reasons for seizing power in May's military coup, saying it was done to ensure public safety because internal conflicts had led to the use of military-grade weapons and violence had been growing, government spokesman Yongyuth Maiyalarp said.

The UN said in a statement that Ban "acknowledged the prime minister's point that Thailand had returned to stability", but "expressed his concern at the continuation of martial law", the Bangkok Times reported.

"He encouraged the prime minister to ensure a prompt return to civilian rule and constitutional order in Thailand," the statement added.

Yongyuth quoted Prayuth as telling the UN chief that his government intended to restore order, peace and public safety in the country and was using normal administrative regulations and reforming the country and its democracy.

Prayuth assured Ban that Thailand has continuously adhered to its international obligations, Yongyuth added.

The secretary-general and Prayuth also discussed climate change and Thailand's contribution to UN peacekeeping.

Ban also acknowledged Thailand's donations to efforts to eradicate Ebola and of the country's participation by sending health workers to join the fight against the virus.