Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha on Thursday said he disagrees with the proposal by a member of the Constitution Drafting Committee that members of five key organisations presently administering the country be suspended from politics for two years when they complete their present jobs.
Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha wants a temporary political ban on charter drafters only. (Photo by Thanarak Khunton)
He said he based his stance on the current interim constitution, which provides that only drafters of the new charter would face a political ban.
The prime minister was responding to the proposal by constitution drafter Jade Dhonavanik that members of the "five-river organisations" be suspended from politics for two years after they end their present terms.
Mr Jade was referring to the National Legislative Assembly (NLA), the National Reform Council (NRC), the Constitution Drafting Committee (CDC), the cabinet, and the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO).
"I will adhere to the content of the interim constitution. This is my opinion because I worked out this constitution. It is necessary.
"There is nothing wrong with the NLA and the NRC....," said Gen Prayut, who is also the NCPO chief.
Asked if the proposal was intended to dispel any suspicion, the prime minister replied, "What is the suspicion about me? If there is any suspicion I will not return power, and that will be it."
Mr Jade said on Thursday that his proposal was intended to avoid criticism and suspicions of attempts to prolong power. He said he would present the idea to the CDC, but he did not think the CDC would support it.