The composition of the newly-appointed National Legislative Assembly (NLA) speaks volumes about the National Council for Peace and Order's (NCPO) plan to make sure that nothing will go wrong with its road map for the country.
Of the 200 members, more than 100 are active or retired military and police officers who are poised to back the military regime. Several of the remaining members are former senators, university rectors and businessmen and they are also believed to be willing to support the NCPO.
The NLA list was announced late on Thursday after being endorsed by His Majesty the King. With almost half of the lawmakers comprising military officers, it seems extremely likely that NCPO chief Gen Prayuth Chan-ocha will be nominated as the prime minister since the NLA is tasked with nominating the prime minister under the interim charter.
Meanwhile, Visanu Krue-ngam, a legal adviser to the regime, said the NLA aims to push for the passage of key draft laws that stalled under the previous government. However, he said not all of the draft laws pending the NLA's consideration will be passed.
Mr Visanu also said he would not accept any position in the National Reform Committee or the constitution drafting committee due to health problems. But he said he would still help out.
A source said the appointments of the active and retired military officers also shows the strong bond between Gen Prayuth and two former army chiefs, Anupong Paojinda and Prawit Wongsuwan. The trio are members of the influential military group called Burapha Payak (Tigers of the East).
Of the military officers appointed as NLA members, most were former classmates at the Armed Forces Academies Preparatory School or close associates of the three men.
The officers who have close ties to Gen Prawit include Gen Noppadon Inthapanya, Gen Boonsang Niampradit, Gen Jirapong Wannarat, Gen Lertrit Wechasawan and Gen Sopon Silapipat.
Other NLA members close to Gen Anupong include Gen Thirawat Boonyapradap, Gen Trairat Rangkharattana, Gen Songkitti Chakabatra, and Adm Kamthon Phumhira.
Gen Prayuth's classmates include Gen Thawatchai Samutsakhon, Gen Yodyuth Boonyathikarn and Gen Wilat Arunsri.
Gen Prayuth has defended the NLA members, saying it is not based on the quota system and it is "normal" to see the appointment of many military officers.
"There is nothing unusual if the military officers are in the NLA," he said. "What we have is not a normal situation."
The source said Gen Prawit and Gen Anupong will also play a role in the formation of an interim government along with another military faction known as Wong Thewan, headed by Gen Dapong Rattanasuwan, former deputy army chief and classmate of Gen Prayuth.
The Burapha Payak group wants Gen Anupong to be appointed as the interior minister, while the Wong Thewan members back Gen Dapong or Gen Paiboon Kumchaya, the NCPO's head of legal affairs committee, for the post.
Gen Dapong was known to be by the side of Gen Prayuth during the 2010 military operation against red-shirt demonstrators, while Gen Paiboon is known for his dedication to the army. Both men are from the Wong Thewan faction.
"The Wong Thewan does not want Gen Prayuth to be in the shadow of Gen Prawit and Gen Anupong,'' said the source.
Democrat leader Abhisit Vejjajiva said yesterday the NLA list did not come as a surprise, noting that it is understandable that the military regime wants a law-making body that would answer to its policy. However, he voiced concerns about a possible lack of quorum in the NLA meetings because many members are high-ranking state officials with a lot of responsibilities.
The Democrat leader also called on the NLA to keep an open mind and listen to what the public has to say. According to Mr Abhisit, there are concerns about attempts to push for laws that may increase powers for the state.
A source close to the parliament said yesterday that several NLA members are being unofficially lobbied to nominate NCPO legal adviser Pornphet Vichitcholachai as NLA president to ensure the nomination of Gen Prayuth as the prime minister. The source said the NLA members are waiting for a signal that they should cast their votes for Mr Pornphet as the NLA president. The selection of the NLA president is expected on Friday, a day after the NLA convenes its first meeting.
However, Mr Pornphet may face a challenge from former senate speaker Surachai Liangboonlertchai, said the source. According to the source, about 10 NLA members are from the so-called Group of 40 Senators and they may back Mr Surachai for the NLA presidency. Mr Surachai is more likely to be appointed a vice president.
The group is known for its support of anti-government protesters' agenda during the campaign leading up to the May 22 coup.