Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha stood firm Thursday on his decision that martial law must be maintained to ensure the country's security, despite growing calls for it to be lifted.
"The media should stop asking questions about martial law," Gen Prayut said.
"Tell me this. Who's troubled by it?" he said.
"Today, priority must be given to the future of the country. Conflict and social disparity must be stopped," he said, stressing that martial law was needed to pave the way for national reform.
The premier emphasised that martial law was essential for ensuring security and renewing confidence in the country.
Gen Prayut's comments were made as he presided over the inauguration of National Defence College Class 57.
The premier said that exercising the special law did not make him happy, adding that the more he uses the powers granted by martial law, the more unhappy he becomes.
"If there was no army, would the problems we face have been resolved and reform been given a chance?" he said.
According to Gen Prayut, it is the duty of all sides to create stability and ensure security everywhere — in the military, economy, society, laws and within the judicial process.
Everyone can help by keeping vigilant and reporting divisive acts to the authorities, he said, adding the media must also play a part in establishing reconciliation.
He insisted the military had to step in to tackle unrest because the former government's policies were impractical and unaccountable.
He said within the next three months, the constitution will take shape and key issues that are to be incorporated into the charter will be debated and ironed out.
Within one year, laws organic to the charter will be passed.
The public must place their hopes in successful reforms, he said. Without public support, it would be futile.
Conflicts of the past could not be solved because of deadlock arising from the interpretation of the charter, he said.
"I had to [take over the administration] because the situation was unbearable and there was no way out," Gen Prayut said.
He stressed reforms must be carried out so that the country can move forward.
Gen Prayut insisted he was not upset by students who flashed a three-finger salute during his speech in front of Khon Kaen provincial hall this week, saying people are entitled to different opinions.
He was referring to five students from Khon Kaen University who made the symbolic gesture — inspired by The Hunger Games — in opposition to the coup during his Wednesday visit.
He urged those who opposed him to join hands to help the country move forward.
Gen Prayut noted that the one-year goal for national reform is to find ways to prevent a parliamentary dictatorship and abuses of power.
Meanwhile, the government plans to announce its three-month work performance review in December. The exact date is yet to be confirmed.
Gen Prayut will give an overview of policy implementation and the five deputy prime ministers will take turns talking about the performance of the ministries they oversee for 10-15 minutes each.
Ministries will also announce their New Year gifts for people during the event, the spokesman said. He did not elaborate.