Some farmers have ignored the order and continued to farm on 6 million rai anyway.
"This time it's critical. All farming must be totally banned. All ministries must also try to help farmers," said Gen Chatchai.
However, he dismissed the need for the junta chief to use Section 44 of the interim constitution to enforce the ban.
"The ministry must tell farmers now what they are supposed to do if they can't farm and what relief measures they can expect from the government. We may promote raising animals and find extra jobs for them," he added.