Gathering ideas about reform from the public is essential but curbs on meetings are making the job of the National Reform Council (NRC) more difficult, say some members.
Wanchai Sornsiri, a spokesman for the NRC whips, said on Saturday that the council believed suggestions and ideas from the public would play a key role in the success of national reform.
NRC chairman Thienchay Kiranandana has also been wondering how idea-gathering sessions can be held without violating the current ban on political gatherings or other limitations imposed by martial law. He plans talks next week about the issue with NRC committee chairmen.
Wanchai: Parties should ask NCPO for permission to meet. (Bangkok Post file photo)
The 250 members of the NRC were hand-picked by the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) to draft wide-ranging plans for reform in 11 areas: politics, public administration, law and the judiciary, decentralisation, education, economy, energy, public health, the environment, the media, and corruption.
Political parties have been calling on the military regime led by Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha to ease restrictions on political party meetings so that they can brainstorm ideas for reform as well as the new constitution. Mr Wanchai said that would be up to the politicians and the NCPO to work out.
Since the May 22 coup, "political" gatherings of more than five people have been prohibited, but some soldiers and police officers have been interpreting the rule very broadly.
Among the higher-profile casualties was a planned march by activists pressing for energy reform, but countless small gatherings across the country have been shut down because someone viewed them as "political" or threatening. Last week a lawyer in northeastern Thailand was told she would need written permission to meet with her clients, a group of villagers who are opposing construction of a dam.
Mr Wanchai said, however, that all individuals and groups must accept the fact that the country is not in a normal situation and that the democratic system could not be applied yet. He suggested that political parties seek permission from the NCPO to hold their meetings. However, it is up to the council to decide.
Yutthaporn Issarachai, dean of political science at Sukhothai Thammathirat University, backed calls for easing of martial law, saying that not only political parties that want the law to be lifted, but also many other countries including the United States.
The military has been under pressure from powerful countries to revoke martial law to allow freedom of expression. The lifting of martial law would also help boost tourism and economy, he said.
He personally agreed that martial law should be eased, but could be imposed in certain areas or during nighttime if necessary. Other laws should be enforced in lieu of martial law, he added.
He also agreed with moves by the Constitution Drafting Committee (CDC) to invite political parties to make recommendations on drafting a new constitution. However, he was uncertain whether those parties would attend.