Thailand's military government has deployed thousands of troops and police across Bangkok to deter any protesters who have threatened a day of rallies in defiance of the army, which seized power in a coup last month.

Small but intense protests against the coup took place in the capital Sunday, as they have every day since the army ousted the civilian government in a bloodless coup on May 22.

VOA's correspondent in Bangkok reported that protesters used social media to relocate away from security forces, who would then close in on the new small group and disperse it.

U.S. Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel demanded on Saturday that coup leaders in Thailand release detainees and immediately hold general elections.

Speaking at an Asian security conference in Singapore, Hagel also called on the junta to end its curbs on free expression, including banning political gatherings of more than five people and tight media controls.

Condemning the kingdom's "retreat from democracy," Hagel told delegates to the Shangri-La Dialogue that the U.S. had suspended its long-standing military ties with Thailand.

In a nationally televised address late Friday, coup leader General Prayuth Chan-ocha said a process of reconciliation and political reform must take place before elections. He spent much of the speech reassuring the public that the Thai economy is strong and that investors should remain confident.