Head of the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) General Prayuth Chan-ocha has said that members of the newly established National Legislative Assembly consist of knowledgeable and capable persons who would push for the success of national reform in a short period.
In his weekly televised public address, General Prayuth explained that the assembly would amend outdated laws that caused obstacles to national administration and other issues, such as the management of the public sector, public health, education, and justice system.
His Majesty the King on 31 July 2014 issued a royal command appointing 200 members of the National Legislative Assembly. A royal decree has also been issued for the opening of the National Legislative Assembly on 7 August 2014.
General Prayuth pointed out that the assembly would mainly improve existing laws. New laws might have to be enacted to facilitate reforms. It is the duty of the National Reform Council to propose what laws should be amended. Amendments made by the National Legislative Assembly must benefit the country and the majority of people.
Responding to comments on the composition of the National Legislative Assembly, General Prayuth said that the members of the assembly are not politicians and that it is necessary to focus on effectiveness and unity in response to the mission of achieving national reform.
He said that the operations of the NCPO are now in Phase Two of the Roadmap. In September, an interim government will be formed and a Cabinet will be set up. The government will have full authority in national administration. This is also considered a democratic administration. The country might need to have Thai-style democracy on a temporary basis.
Also in Phase Two, the National Reform Council will be established, comprising 250 members. The Reconciliation Centers for Reform in all provinces may also nominate their representatives to be selected as members of the council.
General Prayuth stated that everyone could join the reform by sending proposals and suggestions concerning the issuing of laws and the drafting of the new permanent constitution through any of the channels that would be opened for them.
He stressed that the NCPO did not want to cling onto power but to push for national reform, with the participation of all sectors involved. The heart of the reform is to have an elected government based on the new permanent constitution. In this regard, election rules and regulations will be issued that would lead to full-fledged democracy.
And in Phase three, free and fair general elections under the permanent constitution will be held.
