“The NCPO insists that it has never harassed anyone or violated human rights,” the source said.

He said the council would explain to the world community that strict measures taken against people who have different opinions were necessary to maintain peace and order and it would be adopted for just one more year before a general election is held under the NCPO road map.

The defence statement from the junta was made after the country came under severe criticism over the human rights situation in the country with international delegates at the United Nations Human Rights Council raising serious concerns in Geneva last week.

PM’s Office Minister Suwaphan Tanyuvardhana said the Foreign Ministry had been asked by a high-level committee to steer and expedite government policies and to work proactively and explain to the world community Thailand’s context and circumstances.

“What the government has done is aimed at enabling the country to move forward. The concerns expressed by foreign countries are normal,” Suwaphan said.

“We have also expressed such concern to protect our interest. We, however, choose to express our concern in a diplomatic manner that keeps our integrity and dignity,” he said.

“What foreign countries think and say is up to them. Thais must depend on themselves. No one is happy or unhappy with us. Nobody cares what we are facing,” Suwaphan added.

Deputy Prime Minister Wissanu Krea-ngam said the NCPO had not committed any unlawful acts but only acted under its orders. “Our country is not in normal circumstances. The government took control of the country through a coup to solve the country’s problems,” Wissanu said.

“How can people call for high standards of democracy and human rights like when the country had an [elected] Parliament during the past five to 10 years? We have taken action only when there were valid reasons and the need arose,” he said.