Thailand’s National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) has denied trying to restrict the media with the formation of panels to monitor content, reports the Bangkok Post.

The NCPO recently formed five groups to monitor radio and television broadcasts, along with print, online, social and foreign media.  The teams will report to the Thai army chief Prayuth Chan-ocha.

Thailand’s media is under increased scrutiny following a military coup in May, when the army shut down numerous radio and TV stations, many which took sides in the country’s ongoing political crisis.

The Thai Journalists Association (TJA) and Thai Broadcast Journalists Association (TBJA) have questioned the need for monitoring panels, says the Bangkok Post, and asked for the NCPO to spell out its guidelines in an open letter.

In a meeting with editors and media executives, military’s General Udomdej Seetabutr said the NCPO only intended to liaise with the media and use information presented to the public to respond to the needs of the people.

In a statement to the Bangkok Post, General Udomdej said: “The NCPO does not want the media to stand by its side. The NCPO only wants the media to stand by Thailand and all Thais.”