Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha has warned his opponents that there is no room for compromise with anyone who tries to disrupt his administration's reconciliation plan.
In his weekly the Returning Happiness to Thai People programme on Friday evening, the prime minister urged those airing negative comments or stirring misunderstanding to stop or face severe consequences.
Gen Prayut claimed he was aware of attempts to use violent means to oppose the government and the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO).
"Do not make a fuss. I give prior warning," the prime minister said. "I must warn you beforehand because penalties will follow if proven guilty.
"Prosecutions will be carried out to the full extent in such cases. ... This will be a problem for some figures if connections are found."
Nine months after staging a coup, Gen Prayut is facing more opposition at home and international pressure from the United States, the European Union and Japan, all of which have called for democracy to be restored and new elections to be held.
Police and soldiers last Saturday arrested four activists in front of the Bangkok Art & Culture Centre after they organised a mock election complete with ballot boxes to commemorate the Feb 2, 2014 poll that was voided by the courts.
The protesters, who numbered about three dozen, had promoted their event in advance on Facebook and went ahead in defiance of the martial law prohibition of political gatherings.
"Just wait," the prime minister told reporters at Government House on Monday after the EU issued a statement the previous Friday against martial law and the use of the military court to try civilians
Over the past two weeks, red-shirt and Pheu Thai Party members have been called in for a new round of "attitude adjustment" talks with the army after criticising the government and NCPO in public or on social media.
Army chief Gen Udomdej Sitabutr has warned that critics could be summoned to the barracks at any time if they continue to air criticism.
Gen Prayut on Friday also reiterated his unhappiness with columnists and academics in "certain media outlets", calling on them to do their homework and rto not show bias.
"Do some research and make analysis based on substance and reasons," he said.
The prime minister, known for his belligerent attitude toward reporters, said it bothered him to have to answer questions that he had already answered or questions about matters that had already been concluded.
"Work hits a stumbling block when people refuse to listen, when misunderstanding prevails, and when a cycle of arguments ensues," he said.
In a lengthy 74-minute address that touched on numerous other programmes his government was carrying out, Gen Prayut also said he was determined to "return convenience" to the people.
One-stop "G Point" centres offering basic public services are planned for 14 shopping malls in Bangkok. The first opened at CentralWorld last weekend. The centres can help people with legal documents, identification cards, vehicle tax processing, changing drivers’ licences and other services. More information is available at www.facebook.com/gpointthailand.