Thai coup leader, General Sonthi Boonyaratglin, urged troops to smile to improve the image of the new military leadership. Soldiers were photographed grinning for the cameras with raised hands held in mock surrender and showing weaponry to curious citizens.

News reports say that troops even gave over their berets and guns to locals. Schoolchildren were also allowed to peer into tanks.

Last week's coup had occurred without casualty and residents have given food and flowers to soldiers stationed in the capital.

"There is no need to tell them to smile or be friendly because military are part of the people," said Lieutenant General Palangoon Klaharn, spokesman for the junta. "After finishing doing their duty they are back to living as normal Thai people."

The junta has averted media, limited public gatherings and inflicted martial law after getting rid of former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra.