Thai military warns against protests, dissent

The top general in Thailand's ruling junta warned people not to join anti-coup street protests on Sunday, saying normal democratic principles cannot be applied at this time, as troops fanned out in central Bangkok to prevent rallies.

Gen. Prayuth Chan-ocha also defended the detentions of dozens of politicians and activists, most of them associated with the ousted government, with a spokesman quoting him as saying that the measure would not last more than a week and was allowed by law.

In a chilling move apparently aimed at neutralizing critics and potential opposition, the junta has also ordered dozens of outspoken activists, academics and journalists to surrender themselves to military authorities, including a prominent Thai reporter.