Thailand’s army chief threatened Monday to "intensify law enforcement" against anti-coup protesters, after he received a royal endorsement to officially head the military junta that recently overthrew a civilian government.

Thailand's army chief threatened Monday to "intensify law enforcement" against anti-coup protesters, after he received a royal endorsement to officially head the military junta that recently overthrew a civilian government.

General Prayut Chan-O-Cha said protesters found in breach of martial law could be tried in military courts, in his first press conference as de facto Thai leader.

If rallies continue "I will intensify law enforcement", he warned, adding "when the situation relaxes we can relax those measures".

Asked how long the junta would be in power he said the army would take control "until the situation is resolved" refusing to be drawn on whether he would eventually become prime minister.

Earlier on Monday, a royal command was issued, granting Prayut royal endorsement to officially head the military junta.

“To restore peace and order in the country and for the sake of unity, the king appointed General Prayuth Chan-Ocha as head of the National Council of Peace and Order to run the country,” read the royal command.

As coup-maker Prayut has swept through orders including curbing media freedoms and banning political gatherings of more than five people.

Anti-coup protesters have held several seemingly spontaneous rallies in downtown Bangkok since last Friday.

They have swiftly grown in size, drawing around one thousand angry protesters on Sunday in a rally that rolled through Bangkok's commercial heart.

Demonstrators, many holding anti-coup placards, have scuffled with soldiers and several have been detained, raising fears of a wider crackdown if they continue to breach martial law.
They are due to hold another rally on Monday afternoon.