The National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) has resolved that National Reform Council (NRC) members need not declare their assets because their jobs are academic and do not pose conflicts of interest.
Members of the National Reform Council surround Thienchay Kiranandana, former rector of Chulalongkorn University, to congratulate him on being elected as the council chairman during its first meeting yesterday. Mr Thienchay was elected unopposed. CHANAT KATANYU
The agency's decision, which is unanimous, comes amid questions of whether the NRC, as a special body, should be required to submit lists of assets and debts to the NACC, like the members of the National Legislative Assembly (NLA).
NACC member Vicha Mahakhun said yesterday the commissioners have considered the NRC's roles and responsibilities and agreed the body is there for academic purposes and there are no conflicts of interest involved.
The NRC members are expected to contribute their knowledge and expertise to make changes for the country, he said.
Under the interim charter, the NRC's core task is to shape national reform in 11 areas, as requested by the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO), and give recommendations to the Constitution Drafting Assembly (CDA).
It must also deliberate and approve the CDA's draft charter after it is completed and propose organic laws.
The NACC decision has drawn criticism, even from NRC members.
Chuvit Kamolvisit, leader of Love Thailand Party, slammed the decision, saying it goes against the concept of transparency and reform.
"They are expected to create new rules and make politics more transparent, but they will not let the public know about their assets. The NRC may need to clean up its own house before setting out to implement reforms," he said.
Amnuay Khlangpha, a former Pheu Thai MP, disagreed that there are no conflicts of interest involved.
"There are stakes involved in the drafting of a new constitution. I think they should declare their assets," he said.
NRC member Paiboon Nititawan said the NRC should declare their assets as an act of goodwill.
"We have volunteered to undertake reform and should show our good intentions. Declaring assets should be the norm," he said.
He said the NACC's decision may cast the NRC in a negative light.
Saree Ongsomwang, another NRC member, agreed with Mr Paiboon, saying the NRC's job is to set the direction of reform and policy-making and this may involve conflicts of interest.
Meanwhile, as widely expected, NRC members yesterday unanimously elected Thienchay Kiranandana, former rector of Chulalongkorn University, as their chairman.
NRC member Chai Chidchob nominated Mr Thienchay for the post. The former rector was elected unopposed after another nominee Alongkorn Ponlaboot, deputy leader of the Democrat Party, withdrew.
Paron Isarasena na Ayudhya, 87, the most senior member of the NRC, chaired the council's first meeting before its members elected the chairman.
Borwornsak Uwanno, secretary-general of King Prajadhipok's Institute, was elected the first deputy chairman, and former senator Tassana Boontong, with ties to the "Group of 40 Senators", was voted second deputy chairwoman.
Mr Thienchay yesterday promised to do his best to achieve the goal of national reform.
"We need to reduce economic, social and political disparities. The NRC needs to listen to the people. It has to encourage them to make proposals and should also come up with its own.
"I will coordinate the 250 members and achieve national reform," he said.
He said the NRC has two main tasks ahead: giving opinions to the CDA — which is yet to be established — and implementing national reforms in the areas required by the interim charter.
In his speech, Mr Borwornsak focused on the role of the NRC in contributing to drafting the charter.
"If I am elected as a member of the CDA, I will coordinate the work of the NRC and the CDA as best as I can," he said.
Mr Borwornsak urged NRC members to make reforms inclusive.
"The council is not political. We don't have legislative power, except that we can reject or accept the draft charter. I don't want to see the NRC working like a political body. It should be able to give assurances to the public and must not fail them," he said.
The highlight of the first meeting was the selection of the second deputy chair in which Ms Tassana defeated former interior permanent secretary Pracha Terach with 151 votes versus 88.
Mr Pracha was supported by NRC members with close associations to local administrators and former senators known to support the Yingluck administration.