Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha says his government is trying to end the country's deadlock but obstacles remain at different levels.
Speaking at the end of a week in which small but symbolic protests against his government dominated the news, Gen Prayut said he would like people to channel their energy into constructive work for the country.
He also warned members of the media that "freedom of the press" had its limits, and said some social media commentary in particular was hurting the cause of reconciliation.
On his weekly Returning Happiness to the People TV programme on Friday night, he began by expressing condolences to relatives of the nine army officers who were killed when their helicopter crashed in Phayao on Monday.
Discussing economic issues, the premier reiterated that the government's mission included plans to improve the quality of life of Thai people, get the country ready for the integrated Asean Economic Community next year, support Thai businesses in terms of technology and new market penetration, promote trade and investment from abroad, and help farmers in a sustainable manner.
Gen Prayut smiles at media members at Government House on Friday. (Photo by Chanat Katanyu)
He said the government would do its best to minimise the impact of change on the lives of "honest" citizens during the adjustment and reform process. There are always winners and losers when there are changes, he said, and the government would have to come up with measures to care for the afflicted parties.
"Our standpoint is to maintain righteousness and to protect the interests of the public," he said.
However, the government and the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) have encountered major obstacles during the process, he said.
Certain policies have not been fully implemented or have not yielded "tangible" results because some civil servants don't understand them, or coordination between central, regional and local agencies is lacking.
The former army commander also called on different sectors of the society, including media members, to express their views with regard to "appropriateness".
He said input was welcome, but urged people not to "propagate new conflicts and deepen old wounds in the society to the point that the government is unable to work for the public".
"I would like everybody to refrain from being quick to judge or take action purely based on emotions or feelings, otherwise such action would bring about more disputes," he added.
Gen Prayut said it was regrettable that there were still social media posts aimed at inciting hatred and conflicts, most of them with false content and hidden agendas.
"I would like all members of the media — station owners, editors, reporters, anchors, publishers and so on — to understand the current situation. If you use the 'freedom of the press' concept without boundaries, it would do more harm than good for the country given the current situation," he said.
"The government and the NCPO have never thought of using force toward the media, but all we are seeking is your cooperation and respect for the law.
"If you only stick to making groundless accusations, this will only be counterproductive. You already know there are special laws in effect now. Please respect the law and know your legal boundaries.
"You can support national reform by adhering to the principle of reporting factual news, and then I will be happy to listen to every media member. But please refrain from instigating further hatred within our society."
Discussing protests against the coup and the junta, Gen Prayut said he was not upset by them.
"I only ask for peace among us and for you to move this country in a prosperous direction," he said. "We will never use force against you, so there is no need for you to be violent. Thailand today needs peace and unity as to create national stability.
"If you dislike or disagree with something please let me know and I will look into it immediately," he pledged.
Gen Prayut said officials were working around the clock to ease people's hardships.
When he went to Khon Kaen early this week, he said he followed up on the rehabilitation of the Nong Yai Water Resource Conservation project in Kra Nuan district.
"Dredging operations and water resource management programmes need to be implemented all over the country and all waterways connected for irrigation to work," he said.
Discussing the work of the National Reform Council, he said work on the 11 areas identified for reform would be done in three phases.
The first phase needs to be done immediately and the government welcomes proposals, he said. The second phase would come into effect in a year and if laws are needed, the NLA stands ready to enact them.
The third and final phase involves restructuring systems and establishing new state agencies or amending laws where needed.
"All of these tasks must be passed on to the next government, since achieving all of them requires an extended period of time. I hope that everyone can understand this process," he said.