Thienchay defends crisis panel plans

Thienchay defends crisis panel plans

As the National Reform Council handed over its work to the government, both its chief Thienchay Kiranandana and Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha claim the new
As the National Reform Council handed over its work to the government, both its chief Thienchay Kiranandana and Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha claim the new "crisis panel" is a plan to prevent military coups, not enable them. (Photo by Thiti Wannamontha)

National Reform Council (NRC) chairman Thienchay Kiranandana has defended the proposed formation of a crisis panel, saying it should not be seen as a tool for the military to prolong its hold on power. 

The panel, known as the National Committee on Reform and Reconciliation Strategy, should be given credit for the good it could do, he said.

The Constitution Drafting Committee (CDC) has proposed the panel in the draft charter. 

The CDC wants to incorporate a clause allowing the panel - whose members will include the army, navy, air force and police chiefs - to be given special powers to intervene in a political crisis. Their decisions would overrule the elected government.

The aim of the panel is to prevent gridlock in national administration similar to the situation that led to the May 22 coup last year.

He insisted no one wants to be in a position to have to invoke any special powers to break a political impasse. But a military coup would be the only way out in such a situation, which no one wants either.

Critics have poured scorn on the creation of the crisis panel, saying it could pave the way for "legitimate military coups" and that the inclusion of military leaders on the panel raised the possibility of current military figures holding on to power.  

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha said he would not care if he was not on the committee. 

"If we harbour such a view [the military holding on to power], we will be at a loss at finding an answer to everything," said Mr Thienchay.

If a similar crisis strikes and there is no mechanism available to lead the country out of it, a coup d'etat would probably happen again. The CDC meant well in trying to present an option that does not involve a military take-over, he said. 

The panel will be responsible for fostering reform and unity. It will have a five-year term, renewable for another five years. But it will only have the power to intervene in a crisis during its first five years in office, according to CDC member Jade Donavanik.

The wording in the charter regarding the creation of the panel may require fine-tuning to make its authority more definitive, Mr Thienchay said.

CDC chairman Borwornsak Uwanno earlier said the crisis committee would have to consult the Constitutional Court and Supreme Administrative Court presidents if it decides to intervene. The order by the crisis committee chairman would then be considered legitimate and constitutional.

Deputy Prime Minister Wissanu Krea-ngam said more input and feedback will be necessary to allow a clearer picture to emerge regarding the roles and power of the panel.

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