BANGKOK, May 25  -- The Thai military junta on Sunday threatened to use a martial court to prosecute offenders as the protests against the coup are escalating in capital Bangkok.

The National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) said people who commit crimes, including facing lese majeste charges, creating security threats and defying its orders, would be taken to the martial court.

The Thai military junta said that it is a way to maintain order under the current situation.

Several Hundred protesters rallied Sunday outside a central shopping center in the capital, with some holding anti-coup signs.

Thai Army Commander-in-Chief Gen Prayuth Chan-ocha on Thursday declared a coup, saying it was aimed at stopping further loss of life and preventing the conflict in the country from further escalating.

In an address to the nation, the army chief said to restore order in the country, the Thai armed forces need to seize power.

Soon after the coup, the military imposed a night-time curfew across the country.

The Thai military also ordered all television and radio stations to suspend their usual programs and show only the army's broadcast after the coup to ensure the release of accurate news to the people.

The coup came after a meeting of all rival factions in the day called by the military failed in finding a solution to the prolonged anti-government protests in the country.

It also came two days after the military declared martial law in the country amid months of deadly political turmoil.