Bangkok: An Australian tourist is one of the first foreigners to be arrested under Thailand’s harsh military rule that could see some offenders prosecuted in military courts.

Mark Robert Coutelas, 53, was arrested at an apartment on the resort island of Phuket allegedly in possession of a hand gun, ammunition and a small amount of crystal methamphetamine, Phuketwan news website reported.

The military junta that seized power last Thursday has sweeping powers under which soldiers will decide whether accused offenders are dealt with swiftly in special military courts or still-functioning civilian courts.

People facing military courts must hand their defence to a military prosecutor.