King Bhumibol is above criticism both by tradition and law; insulting him, the queen or the crown prince is punishable by up to 15 years’ imprisonment under a law that has been broadly interpreted by the authorities in recent years. The military said over the weekend that all lèse-majesté cases would now be heard in military courts.

The king has not been seen in public since Thursday’s coup, and no member of the royal family has spoken publicly about the military takeover. The Royal Gazette, which lists official government decisions, carried the announcement of General Prayuth’s royal appointment.

“In order to maintain the peace and order of the nation and the reconciliation of the people, there shall be a royal command to officially endorse the appointment of General Prayuth Chan-ocha as the leader of the National Council for Peace and Order to administrate the country from here onward,” the announcement said.

The National Council for Peace and Order is the name the junta has chosen for itself.

General Prayuth, who wore a formal white uniform for his appearance on Monday, was flanked by top officers of the armed forces who stood in front of emblems of the military and the official seal of Thailand’s monarchy.

General Prayuth spoke in vague terms about “measures to make sure there are no further problems.”

But he also offered signs that the military was overwhelmed with the administration of the country. He urged all sides “not to make any more requests.”