Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha is keeping tight lipped on whether or not all political parties will be dissolved and required to register again before the next general election.
"It is my business. I am not saying if it is possible or not. Do not report that I confirm that," Gen Prayut said at Government House on Tuesday when asked if an organic law under the next constitution would require all political parties to register afresh.
"I confirm that I am using my power honestly in the interests of national security and the people's happiness... I can't help it if people in the wrong can't accept that," said Gen Prayut, who also heads the junta's National Council for Peace and Order.
Asked about a suggestion by Khunying Sudarat Keyuraphan, a key figure of the Pheu Thai Party, that "solutions to national problems" should be discussed with key members from other political parties, Gen Prayut said they should start by obeying the law before any such talks.
Khunying Sudarat said on Tuesday that she heard others saying an organic law under the new constitution would require the dissolution of old parties and registration of new political parties.
Supachai Jaisamut, deputy secretary-general of the Bhumjaithai Party, and Chalitrat Chandrubeksa, spokesman of the Chart Pattana Party, both said on Tuesday that if it was a requirement that all political parties register again, they would comply. They are medium-sized parties.
Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Prawit Wongsuwon on Tuesday also declined to comment on the issue.
Amorn Wanichwiwatana, spokesman for the Constitution Drafting Committee, said the idea of parties having to register again belonged to the past constitution drafting committee headed by Borwornsak Uwanno, possibly to allow former MPs the freedom to choose political parties.
The present drafting committee had not discussed the matter, he said.
