Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha has again threatened to summon anyone making comments that stir up political conflict, in a move aimed at discouraging a revival of anti-coup sentiments.
Affected this week by orders from the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) to stop public discussions of "sensitive topics" including press freedom and the impeachment of former prime minister Yingluck Shinawatra were former Pheu Thai MPs and ministers Singthong Buachum (top, left) Chaturon Chaisaeng and Surapong Tovichakchaikul, Thaksin Shinawatra's son Panthongtae, and Thai and German NGO press-freedom groups.
Gen Prayut was speaking Thursday after politicians, especially from Pheu Thai, were summoned for criticising the government after the visit on Monday by US Assistant Secretary of State for East Asia and Pacific Affairs, Daniel Russel.
During his visit Mr Russel denounced the continued enforcement of martial law and the impeachment of former prime minister Yingluck Shinawatra.
Shortly after the May 22 coup, politicians, protest leaders and other notable figures were summoned and taken to military camps where they were held for "attitude adjustment" over several days before being released.
If the prime minister carries out the threat this would be the second time the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) chief has taken this measure to quell anti-coup elements who have maintained a low profile following the coup.
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Gen Prayut said he has issued orders stating that people who make remarks that damage the country will be "invited" in for discussions. "The invitations are not intended to put pressure them, but to make them understand," he said.
Chaturon Chaisaeng, a former deputy prime minister in the Thaksin Shinawatra era, was told by a military officer to report to the army on Thursday. Similar calls for "attitude reaction" waent to former Pheu Thai MP Singthong Buachum and former foreign minister Surapong Tovichakchaikul.
On Monday, Thaksin's son Panthongtae, better known as Oak, received a public warning by Royal Thai Army commander Gen Udomdej Sitabutr — but no detention — after he made "problematic comments" about the impeachment of his aunt, former prime minister Yingluck, on his Instagram page.
The prime minister said despite martial law, the government and the NCPO's authority has been challenged. The government has been too lenient so far, he added.
Asked about penalties for those who may be called in for a second attitude adjustment and still fail to cooperate, he said they could face a ban on travelling abroad, or have their bank accounts frozen.
Gen Prayut seemed annoyed while answering questions from reporters.
He denied another round of summonses would cause public unease.
"Who feels uncomfortable? Why not ask the poor? We held a meeting today to solve the plight of the poor. We did not discuss power. I am not intoxicated with power," he said.
He also said reporters who repeatedly ask questions that are not constructive may also be "invited" for discussions.
Among those summoned by the NCPO following Mr Russel's visit were former foreign minister Surapong Tovichakchaikul, former education minister Chaturon Chaisaeng and former energy minister Pichai Naripthaphan.
Mr Surapong arrived at the 1st Army's headquarters on Ratchadamnoen Avenue for "discussions" at the invitation of 1st Army chief Kampanat Ruddit. He was released after three hours.
An army source denied a report that the military whisked him away from a restaurant in Muang Thong Thani in Nonthaburi and took him to the 1st Army HQ.
Mr Chaturon arrived at the Royal Plaza. From there, soldiers took him to the 1st Army HQ.
The source also said Lt Gen Kampanat will today invite red-shirt co-leader Nattawut Saikuar in for talks.
Mr Chaturon wrote on Facebook Thursday, saying he had been "invited" for discussions by the military.
Mr Pichai, the former energy minister, said the NCPO has not yet contacted him for discussions, but he was willing to talk. He said his comments this week were intended to help the country move forward, not to stoke conflict.
National Legislative Assembly (NLA) president Pornpetch Wichitcholchai said he was not surprised Mr Russel had met with groups in a way that violated appropriate diplomatic protocols.
He said the US State Department often acted this way, but that was still better than sending agents from the US Central Intelligence Agency to meddle in the internal affairs of other countries.
Mr Pornpetch said the NCPO has taken steps to restore order and pave the way for a sustainable democracy that would include fair elections, adding that the NLA decision to impeach Ms Yingluck was constitutional and complied with anti-corruption laws.
Meanwhile, army chief Gen Udomdej Sitabutr revealed Thursday that the NCPO had told Panthongtae "Oak" Shinawatra, the only son of ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, to keep his public comments within the law.