He said North Korea has no intention of abandoning its nuclear program even if it is offered large sums of money. Thae said the nation was pushing ahead "at all costs."
"Following the ruling party congress in May, Kim Jong-un made it a party policy to finish nuclear development within the earliest time possible," he said.
He comments followed President-elect Donald Trump's words the U.S. would look to "strengthen and expand" its nuclear capability.
It was Thae's first appearance with the media since escaping his post in London and taking refuge in South Korea in July, CNN noted.
Meanwhile, NBC News reported a senior North Korean official said his nation is targeting mainland America with a nuclear weapons program it will not give up.
He warned American policies, including sanctions, have backfired, according to the network news.