Photographers must be at least five metres from the prime minister when taking photos and must not take his picture when he is walking on stairs or eating, the conditions say.

The rules were announced on Friday when Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha chaired the opening ceremony of the Thailand Social Expo 2018 at the Impact Exhibition Centre in Muang Thong Thani.

Besides strict security checks, the media were required to register and get a permit tag. Only registered photographers with certified cameras could take photos of the junta leaders, according to the guidelines.

Those failing to comply would lose their passes and be banned from future events.

The restrictions came two days after Prayut said he would not talk to the press about politics unless necessary.

This is not the first time the junta strongman has given the media the silent treatment. Last year, Prayut also resorted to this method at least once following criticism about the coup-maker’s attempts to cling on to power.

Sensitive to media reports, the junta has also rearranged weekly press briefings after the Cabinet meeting. When the reporters previously had been able to ask questions freely, they are now required to submit the questions in advance and only four questions are asked.