Pheu Thai lawmaker Prayuth Siripanich's attempt to push for a so-called "anti-coup bill" has run into some hurdles.
In the wake of a string of criticism and the cold shoulder the bill received from his own party, the veteran lawmaker from Maha Sarakham decided to withdraw the draft which he had submitted to the parliament's website for a public hearing.
The bill, if approved, will transfer the authority to promote generals in the armed forces, along with the power to decide the criteria for promotions, to cabinet ministers -- a process that is usually handled by the armed forces' top brass, along with the defence minister.
Furthermore, the draft contains provisions that enable rank-and-file soldiers to resist their superiors' orders in the event of an attempted coup, and it lists the punishment for coup makers.
Despite his claims, it remains unclear how this bill would prevent coups in the future, with critics saying the law will only shift the authority to decide military promotions to politicians.
The way the police force handles promotion could be taken as an example, as it promotes collaboration between the police and the government. Promotions in the Royal Thai Police are handled by the National Police Committee, which takes into account inputs from both the government and the police top brass.
The Pheu Thai Party, meanwhile, is distancing itself from Mr Prayuth's proposal, with Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra quoted as publicly saying that the government "has no intention to meddle in military affairs".
The collective backpedalling begs the question -- why is the government suddenly very intent on keeping itself away from military affairs? Isn't improving the efficiency of state administration part of the government's job?
A career in the military is unique, given its different working culture and unusually high occupational risks. As such, its officers deserve a recruitment, training and promotion mechanism which reflects these challenges.
But that does mean the armed forces cannot and shouldn't be messed with. After all, the military is part of the government, which is funded by taxpayers' money. Therefore, procurement, investment, and other internal processes, including promotions, should be scrutinised by the government and parliament.
There are currently three proposed bills which seek to amend the Defence Ministry Administration Act. First is the version proposed by the armed forces, which was put up for hearings last month and is awaiting deliberation. The second is the version pushed by Mr Prayuth, while the final one was proposed by the People's Party. It woudn't be a surprise if the military's draft gets more votes.
The drafts proposed by Mr Prayuth and the People's Party contain good suggestions, including the proposed inclusion of a director of the Comptroller General's Department and up to three experts appointed by the cabinet on the 17-seat Defence Council.
Under the military's proposal, only the armed forces' top brass can sit on the Defence Council and decide on promotions.
The reading of the Defence Ministry Administration Act is likely to take place next year, and its content will determine whether the attempt to modernise the military and end coups for good will bear fruit or not. It is hoped that all lawmakers will pick good ideas from all drafts to improve our armed forces.