Former Democrat Party deputy leader Suthep Thaugsuban should seek permission from the National Council for Peace and Order before calling a news conference on Thursday, NCPO deputy secretary-general Gen Chatchalerm Chalermsuk said Tuesday.
Gen Chatchalerm, the army chief-of-staff, was responding to remarks made by Mr Suthep after leaving the monkhood in Surat Thani province that on July 30 he would outline his plans for activities by the People's Democratic Reform Foundation.
He said if Mr Suthep was unsure whether the press conference could be considered a political activity, which is prohibited by the NCPO, he should request permission from the junta in advance.
If Mr Suthep was certain it would have nothing to do with politics, he could go ahead as planned, said Gen Chatchalerm.
"In the case Mr Suthep goes ahead (without seeking permission), I will send authorities to observe the activity. If what is said is political, he would be told to stop. The country is now in need of reconciliation," he said.
Gen Chatchalerm said he had made similar requests of Jatuporn Prompan and Nathawut Saikuar, leaders of the United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship.