The national strategy bill and a bill on plans and procedures for national reform have been forwarded to the King for endorsement, with plans to implement them being fleshed out, according to Deputy Prime Minister Wissanu Krea-ngam.
He announced the bills have been presented to the palace as the Committee for National Administration under the Framework of National Reform, Strategy and Reconciliation, chaired by Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, met yesterday at Government House to follow up on the progress of four panels related to national strategy and reforms.
Gen Prayut said the meeting heard reports of the work done by the committee to forge national reconciliation, the committee to prepare national strategy, the committee on national reforms, and the committee to administer the country in line with the national strategy.
Before the meeting, the premier said the expectation was for the panels to produce conclusive results on their work leading to smooth implementation.
The meeting also reviewed the role of the Prayut-chaired framework committee and set the direction for its mission under the national strategy bill after it was passed by the National Legislative Assembly on June 21.
The meeting agreed that plans to implement national strategy and reforms as dictated by the bills will also be worked out.
Late last month, Pheu Thai Party lawyer Ruangkrai Leekitwattana petitioned the Office of the Ombudsman to look into whether the national strategy bill and a bill on plans and procedures for national reform violate the charter.
Mr Ruangkrai argued that the cabinet resolved to submit the bills to the NLA on April 4, two days before the new charter came into effect.
The framework committee, meanwhile, has approved the draft social contract for national unity.
Prime Minister's Office Minister Suvit Maesincee revealed after the meeting yesterday that the framework committee has approved the 10-point draft unity agreement.
Mr Suvit said the draft addresses the need to promote better understanding and ease political conflicts, including those spurred by hate speech.
He added the draft also included 15 sub-points proposed by Gen Prayut which include a ban against cabinet members using their executive powers for political gain.
Another proposal covered by the points is to ensure political parties take responsibility for the policies they deliver to parliament and respect different viewpoints.
"The 10 points are agreed upon in principle, while the 15 sub-points will provide substantive results," he said.
Mr Suvit said the national unity agreement is a promise and a social contract between people.
It is not the law and therefore whether the agreement will produce a solid result depends on the people.
Mr Suvit said the next step after the draft of social contract for national unity was approved is to set up public hearings nationwide.
He said the hearings will be held across the country to gather public opinions on the draft as well as explain details to the public.
"However, we cannot tell when the hearings will begin because the country will have important ceremonies towards the end of the year including the King's cremation ceremony in October. We may also set up a big event to promote the social contract for national unity," he said.