Thailand's military junta have revised an earlier decree on media and enacted measures that now make it illegal to criticize the ruling council.
The decree was televised live on public television late Friday following junta leader Prayuth Chan-Ocha's weekly "Return Happiness to the People" TV show in which he called for "compassion and understanding" for the military.
"[The West understands] that Democracy is the best system for all. That is why we ask for understanding while we build the foundations for a real democracy in Thailand."
The general asked dissidents and foreign governments to "hold their criticisms" while the military sought to change the constitution and appoint an interim government that will rule the country for a year while reforms are enacted.
"The previous governments had no respect for laws, there were no checks and balances, and bad governance," Chan-Ocha told the nation.
He also asked dissidents who had fled abroad to return to the country so that they can be "part of the reform process" promising that they would be treated fairly before the law.
The new media order - Order 97/2557 - forbids all media operating in the Kingdom from interviewing former government office-bearers, academics, retired judges, or others - including NGO workers - whose views may be considered critical of the junta's ruling National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) or its representatives.
Also banned are comments about others that may be construed as defamatory.
The NCPO asked that all media outlets publish its announcements.
The military seized power May 22 after months of political violence and deadlock. They argue they could not stand by and watch Thailand stagnate and descend into civil war.
