Army commander Udomdej Sitabutr on Friday accused unnamed politicians of backing groups of college students protesting against the May 22 coup, adding they would be told to end their support.
Refusing to identify the politicians, the deputy defence minister said that because he respected them, he wanted to reach an understanding with them.
"They are the group that is dissatisfied with the administration of the government. But I would like to say that we still honour them and may have a practical talk. We will not let this go," he said.
"I can tolerate the actions of students' groups of the past two days. I will be patient if I am able to. But I stress that things must not get bigger because that would lead to violence. Police will handle illegal actions," he said, referring to some anti-coup students' recent rallies in Pathumwan area and on Ratchadamnoen Avenue in Bangkok.
Gen Udomdej warned that if students' protests expanded, people who disagreed with them would confront them and violent situations would return.
He urged concerned groups to share their views through the Centre for Reconciliation and Reform.