Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwon on Friday shrugged off ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra's criticism of the military junta, saying it would not affect the National Council for Peace and Order's (NCPO) credibility.
Speaking in New York this week, Thaksin condemned the draft constitution as a step backwards and a tool by the military council to cling to power and serve its own interests.
According to the former prime minister, the draft charter failed to represent the will of the people and he did not expect it to be accepted by the international community.
His remarks were seen by some political observers as a signal for his supporters to oppose the draft charter.
Gen Prawit said Thaksin's remarks would not undermine the military government's credibility, noting Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha was welcomed and accepted by the international community.
He stressed that the public at large was satisfied with the government's performance.
Gen Prawit also said people who opposed the new constitution could make their voices heard by voting in a planned referendum without having to take to the streets.
"They can vote to reject the draft at the referendum. They don't have to come out and instigate chaos," he said.
NCPO spokesman Col Piyapong Klinphan yesterday hit back at Thaksin, saying he only cared about his and his family’s interests and fed foreign media misinformation to discredit the NCPO.
He said Thaksin wanted to return to Thailand but did not respect Thai laws, adding that Thaksin was just a fugitive and the government did not give him any credibility.
Commenting on Thaksin's attack on the draft charter, the NCPO spokesman said the draft charter was being reviewed by the Constitution Drafting Committee (CDC).
He said he believed the CDC would draft rules to prevent new political conflicts.
Asked about a proposal for appointed senators to serve a five-year transitional period, Col Piyapong said it was floated out of concerns about peace and public order after an election.
The CDC initially opted for a chamber of 200 senators selected by various professions and groups.