Defence Minister Prawit Wongsuwon has backed Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha's plan to use his "absolute power" to close media outlets that fail to properly their duties "properly".
Gen Prawit yesterday said he supports the proposal to use Section 44 of the interim charter to shut down "unnamed newspapers" that are worsening conflicts in the country.
He said Gen Prayut's government wants to build reconciliation, but some sections of the media are failing in their duties by publishing critical articles.
"I agree with the prime minister's idea to deal with these newspapers, since they are deepening rifts while we are in a period of reconciliation building," Gen Prawit said.
During a presentation about the government's achievements on Thursday, Gen Prayut blasted a newspaper for attacking him every day, even though its owner is facing charges. The premier also threatened to take action against the paper.
"I don't want to read this newspaper because it makes me angry. But I will ask my subordinates to read it on my behalf in the new year.
"If the articles haven't changed, I will issue an order to shut it down," he said, adding that martial law would be meaningless if he did not exercise his powers.
"Section 44 in the charter is written to be used in a constructive manner. I myself have not yet taken anyone to jail; I have not yet ordered anyone be killed," he added.
The prime minister did not say whether he would issue a new order under martial law or use Section 44 of the charter to take action against the newspaper.
Section 44 gives the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) power over the government, the legislature and the judiciary.
The NCPO is permitted to intervene and neutralise threats to national reform, public peace and order, national security, the monarchy and the economy.
Gen Prayut recently held a meeting with the editors of several newspapers in a bid to foster understanding of the government's work on reform and reconciliation.