Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwon on Thursday rebuked two leaders of the red-shirts for their comments on what could happen if former prime minister Yingluck Shinawatra is impeached.
He directed his criticism at Korkaew Pikulthong, a former Pheu Thai MP and leader of the United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship, and Kwanchai Sarakham, leader of the red-shirts in Udon Thani province.
Mr Kwanchai reportedly said if the National Legislative Assembly voted to impeach Ms Yingluck there would be no reconciliation and that could lead to riots or bloodshed.
Mr Korkaew said if Ms Yingluck were impeached there would be no point in any further talk about reconciliation.
Gen Prawit said: "They should not have said anything like this while the country is moving forward smoothly. They should learn to use their brain before speaking."
Gen Prawit said he did not understand why the two red-shirt leaders said so because the impeachment was a justice process that had nothing to do with the current administration.
He said the NLA was handling an issue which had occurred before the May 22 coup. His government was formed after May 22 and is responsible for bringing reconciliation.
"We (the government) are here not to take revenge on or hunt down anyone. We are not doing anything to foment hatred or making enemies. What we want is for the country to move forward and be at peace," he said.