"We ask all sides to come and talk to find a way out for the country," General Prayuth Chan-ocha told reporters.
He said the army had acted to restore order and build investor confidence, after more than six months of political unrest during which the economy has slumped.
The army would take action against anyone that used weapons and harmed civilians, he added.
This comes as Thailand's army said that 10 satellite television channels must stop broadcasting, including stations run by pro- and anti-government groups, in order to "preserve peace and order".
The army declared martial law earlier on Tuesday to restore order after six months of anti-government protests.
"The army asks that satellite television channels stop broadcasting in order to prevent the distortion of news, which creates misunderstanding," the army said in a televised statement.
For his part, the leader of protesters said they would continue their fight despite the imposition of martial law and the army chief's call for talks between rival groups. "Martial law does not affect our civil uprising ... We still retain our right to demonstrate against this tyrannical government," Suthep Thaugsuban said in a speech to supporters.
REUTERS