During his weekly talk show “Returning Happiness to People in the Country”, Prayut claimed that people who distort information about the National Council for Peace and Order wanted to escalate conflicts.

“Some people are motivated by fame and say things to garner more likes and followers,” Prayutsaid. “They don’t realise that fuelling hatred leads to destruction and conflict.”

With less conflict, Prayut claimed, authorities would be able to conduct their duties more effectively.

Prayut‘s response came in light of the amended Computer Crime Act, which many are worried could limit people’s rights as well as violate their privacy.

For example, Article 14 stipulates that those posting information that could “potentially frighten the public” could face defamation charges.

Article 20 also allows authorities to remove any information stored on computers that may be deemed perilous to public peace, even if this data does not infringe any laws.

The bill, passed recently by the Cabinet, is being considered by the National Legislative Assembly. Amnesty International (Thailand) and Thai Netizens have sought a revision of the bill.

Prayut, meanwhile, defended the upcoming regulation as nothing near a violation of human rights because it is merely designed to keep order in the Kingdom. “If people just want it their way, then let’s not have me or any government, or an election for that matter,” the premier mumbled, “and let’s just live in anarchy.”

The use of a justice system is essential to curb something violating laws, he added, “otherwise there will be no justice and we will be mired in conflict”.

The PM also cited the military’s strategy of cyber-warfare, where armies take control of the communication channels of the enemy in order to gain the upper hand. Cyber-warfare deals with members of the public who make hate speeches by defaming another person without due cause.

During yesterday’s one-hour programme, Prayut was again accompanied by a presenter, this time Priya Natevichien, who interviewed the premier on a range of issues including concession of Thailand’s source of natural gas to possible removal of the referendum bill’s contested Article 61.