Constitutional drafters formally rejected on Tuesday a National Reform Council proposal to require direct election of the prime minister and cabinet members.
The Constitution Drafting Committee unanimously shot down the idea suggested by the NRC's political-reform panel and agreed the country should retain the previous bicameral parliament in which the premier is chosen by elected MPs, CDC vice-chairman Suchit Bunbongkarn said.
CDC vice-chairman Suchit Bunbongkarn (Bangkok Post file photo)
He said the committee had discussed the pros and cons of the proposal thoroughly but, in the end, felt that it posed a high risk due to unfamiliarity.
Electoral-related problems could still be solved via long-established and familiar parliamentary system and such a complete shift was not yet necessary.
"We have a feeling that it's risky and may create problems. The (previous) parliamentary system likely poses fewer problems than a new system," Mr Suchit said.
Direct election of the prime minister and cabinet would not be feasible in Thailand until the country has two truly independent and democratic political parties, he said.
To implement a system before that happens opens the door to a single political leader or group monopolising power in the House of Representatives and the administrative branches of government. Reforms first must be made to balance the system to prevent control over the entire system, Mr Suchit said.
The panel's move to strip parliament of the power to appoint a prime minister and cabinet came as Deputy Prime Minister Wissanu Krea-ngam told the most-senior US diplomat in Thailand that elections to elect the new legislature likely would not occur until February 2016.
"I told the US charge d'affaires today elections will take place at the earliest in February 2016," Mr Wisanu told reporters. "But if we have to have a referendum, polls could be delayed by a further three months," he said, referring to a possible plebiscite on a new constitution.
The US currently has no ambassador assigned to Thailand.
The government said last month an election planned for late 2015 would be delayed until 2016, giving more time for reforms which the military says should bring stability after a decade of factional rivalry.
A senior Western diplomat told Reuters Tuesday he was not optimistic about the possibility of an election even in 2016, fearing Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha could come up with a justification to delay.
"It is not inconceivable that Prayut will stay in power for two to three years, despite his pledge to return Thailand to democracy as soon as possible," said the diplomat, who declined to be identified.