The National Legislative Assembly (NLA) has enacted the national strategy bill in a 281-0 vote, with the prime minister at the helm of the new structure.
The 29-section law stipulates the National Strategy Commission be set up, to be chaired by the prime minister. The three vice-chairmen are: Senate and House speakers and a deputy prime minister or minister assigned by the PM.
The commissioners are the defence permanent secretary; chiefs of the Supreme Command, army, navy, air force and police; secretary-general of the National Security Council; chairmen of the National Economic and Social Development Board, National Farmers Federation, Thai Chamber of Commerce, Federation of Thai Industries, Tourism Council of Thailand and Thai Bankers' Association.
Up to 17 experts in various fields may be appointed by the cabinet as expert members.
The commission drafts the national strategy to be proposed to the cabinet, gives opinions to Parliament, Cabinet or state agencies on issues involving the implementation of the national strategy and supervises national reform to ensure its compliance with the national strategy.
In drafting the national strategy, the commission sets up one or more drafting committees in different fields.
The drafting committees must finishing the preliminary draft within 120 days. The National Strategy Commission will then review and submit it to the cabinet within 30 days.
After that, the cabinet has 30 days to send the draft to the NLA, which will enact it within 30 days. Once done, the PM will send the law for royal endorsement within 10 days.
The NLA on Thursday voted 281-0 to pass the bill with three abstentions.