The deputy head of the junta has urged police officers to increase their surveillance of social media as the public referendum on the controversial junta-sponsored draft constitution is drawing near.

BBC Thai reported that Gen Prawit Wongsuwan, the deputy junta head and Defence Minister, on Friday, 22 April 2016, at the Headquarters of the Royal Thai Police, Bangkok, thanked the police for their work and informed them that Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha, the junta leader and Prime Minister, wants them to strictly enforce the law.

The deputy junta leader then suggested that the police closely monitor political movements on social media.

Gen Prawit added that the police should use Information Operations (IOs), cyber warfare operations, to control political movements on social media which could lead to conflict and instability during the 5-year reform period.

On the same day, Matichon Online reported that at the Royal Thai Air Force Headquarters, Bangkok, Gen Sommai Kaoteera, Chief of the Royal Thai Armed Forces, told the media that people who love the country should participate in the referendum on the draft constitution, which will be held on 7 August.