The qualifications of two of the National Legislative Assembly (NLA) members have been questioned and may have to be discussed when the assembly convenes this month.
Employees put up a welcome sign for new NLA members who are to report in person at parliament starting today. (Photo by Chanat Katanyu)
In one case, Lt Gen Thawatchai Samutsakorn, former Second Army Region commander, used to be a member and the first party-list candidate of the Chartpattana party during the Feb 2 general election, according to Thai media.
He unofficially won the election before the Constitutional Court ruled the decree supporting the election illegitimate, rendering the polls void.
According to the 2014 interim charter, an NLA member must not hold a position in a political party or used to hold it three years before being appointed to the NLA.
In another case, Thailand's national Muslim leader Chularajamontree Asis Pitakkumpol may no longer been qualified for his old role when he was nominated an NLA member.
The 1997 Act of Islamic Organisation Administration ban the leader of Thai Muslims from holding a political position.