BANGKOK—Thailand's military junta is trying to make Thais happy about the latest coup, trotting out saluting young women in risqué camouflage outfits and hosting street parties with free food and music.

Since taking power in a coup d'état two weeks ago, the military has tried to smooth over nearly a decade of deep political divisions and win support for its new mandate, which it sees as a necessary first step toward kick-starting Thailand's sputtering economy.

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