Thai junta leader threatens to 'execute' journalists who 'do not tell the truth'

Thai junta leader Prayuth Chan-ocha has issued a stark warning to journalists saying he would, "probably just execute" those who did "not report the truth".

When questioned by reporters on 25 March on how the government would respond to journalists who chose to cross the line, Chan-ocha responded: "We'll probably just execute them.

"You don't have to support the government, but you should report the truth."

Chan-ocha added that journalists should report in a manner that encourages national reconciliation in the kingdom.

Chan-ocha's latest attack on Thailand's media follows his comments last month. when he said he had the power to shut down news outlets.

Chan-ocha is highly critical of the Thai daily Matichon newspaper for siding with ousted former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra and his allies, reported Reuters.

"Don't think I don't know that your writing is pro the previous administration," Chan-ocha told a Matichon reporter. "The previous Interior Ministry bought many advertising spaces from you."

Chan-ocha heads the ruling junta or National Council for Peace and Order, along with serving as the country's prime minister.

He took on Thailand's leadership last May after toppling the government of Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra in a coup.

Since his coming to power, Chan-ocha has cracked down on dissenters and said he is not ready to lift martial law giving army sweeping power.

He has also banned political gatherings and in January, he cancelled a German foundation's forum on freedom of press.

Chan-ocha has vowed to reconcile Thais in a year-long roadmap.

Thailand has been majorly divided since the army toppled Thaksin, Yingluck's brother, in a previous coup in 2006.