Former House speaker Arthit Ourairat yesterday called on coup leader Gen Prayuth Chan-ocha not to take on the role of prime minister when the country starts its reform.
Mr Arthit, currently rector of Rangsit University, said while Gen Prayuth may have to head an interim government in the first stage of the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO)'s plan to improve the country's administration, the NCPO chief is unlikely to fit in when the second phase starts.
The NCPO chief recently unveiled a three-stage plan following the May 22 coup, with the second phase being reforms. The first phase is aimed at achieving reconciliation while the third and final phase is seeing the country through elections.
Mr Arthit played a conciliatory role following the military crackdown on protesters who rose up against coup leader Gen Suchinda Kraprayoon being appointed prime minister in May 1992
In a surprise move, Mr Arthit, then House speaker, in June 1992 nominated Anand Panyarachun as interim prime minister after then prime minister Gen Suchinda resigned following the political violence.
The nomination occurred despite the fact that the late ACM Somboon Rahong, then leader of the Chart Thai Party, was waiting in his white uniform for a royal announcement of his appointment as interim prime minister to succeed Gen Suchinda.
The appointment of Mr Anand, considered an outsider, was believed to have calmed the situation.
Mr Arthit also suggested reconciliation efforts by the NCPO should go beyond dissolving colour-coded politics.
They should also look at bringing about national reforms which will be of help to the public.
"I don't think Gen Prayuth should lay down the groundwork. We should listen to everyone,'' he said.
The rector said the first phase should be completed earlier than the three-month timeframe to speed up reform plans. Several sectors have come up with reform proposals.
Mr Arthit described as normal the ongoing anti-coup protests, saying they had not gathered as much momentum as he expected.
He said he is willing to join the NCPO to help with the three-stage plan.
"I am willing to help if I can. It is a duty for all Thais," he said.