Second stage of 'roadmap' may end NCPO's easy ride

[webfact]

BURNING ISSUE
Second stage of 'roadmap' may end junta's easy ride
Supon Thanukid
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- The honeymoon with the Thai public has already lasted two months but the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) is set to face many more challenges while trying to make the honeymoon long-lasting.

After His Majesty the King endorsed the provisional charter, which took effect on Tuesday, the country has stepped into the second of the three-stage reform roadmap drawn up by the NCPO.

The public is now holding its breath, because by the end of September we will know what the National Legislative Assembly will look like and who will take the 35 Cabinet seats and the prime minister's post.

The image of the NLA and the look of the Cabinet under the umbrella of the junta will unavoidably be compared with those of elected governments in terms of how competent and how trustworthy they are. Will the reminiscence of the "yucky" Cabinets endorsed by some elected governments come back to haunt us?

What nearly everyone wants to know, however, is whether NCPO chief General Prayuth Chan-ocha will simultaneously assume the PM post. Prayuth has not publicly given a hint about his future role or roles, although he did give ample hints before declaring martial law and seizing power. It is clear that the interim charter does not ban NCPO members from taking Cabinet seats or the PM post. The charter stipulates that the responsibility for selecting the prime minister rests with the NLA.

Opinion surveys show Prayuth has strong public backing, with his high job-approval rating leaving other prospective candidates far behind. Along with his ability to lead and get urgent problems affecting the public solved effectively, the public favours Prayuth's meticulous, bold personality, his blunt speaking style and outspokenness.

Prayuth has arrived at a crossroads that leaves him struggling with the dilemma on whether he should let the interim government take over the responsibility of running the country and bringing about reform while he and the NCPO take a step back.

Even though under the new charter Prayuth remains the most powerful person, if he opts to keep only his current post as NCPO chief, there is no guarantee the interim government will do things his way and problems will get solved. If the reform mission fails, the NCPO cannot escape criticism.

If he takes suggestions from his supporters to take the plunge with the PM post and go through with all the missions he aims to accomplish, he will be subjected to attacks by his critics, even though he does not want to be called the supreme leader. For Prayuth, it is damned if you do and damned if you don't.

By October, the formation of the National Reform Assembly will be completed. That agency is tasked with a number of crucial reform agendas, from political, economic and societal to the environment, justice and energy, that will have far-reaching impacts across all segments of society.

Among the hottest issues is said to be reforming the energy sector, which elected governments dared not touch for fear of losing political support. The National Reform Assembly will give its recommendations to the Charter Drafting Committee, which will complete the charter draft by July next year.

The content of the charter is expected to draw hot debate, including over whether it should be subject to a public referendum.

Realising the formidable task ahead and increasing criticism, the NCPO invoked strict penalties in an attempt to curb critics and the media. Luckily, it has taken a wise and compromising move by agreeing to relax the restrictions, although critics must make constructive comments in good faith and with honest intentions.

Let's pray the NCPO steers the country smoothly through the challenges presented in the second stage of the reform roadmap.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/politics/Second-stage-of-roadmap-may-end-juntas-easy-ride-30239427.html


-- The Nation 2014-07-25

[HooHaa]

they are not going to give up power easily.

[Crazy chef 1]

I hope so- until now they are doing a great job or rather have great intentions.

[gk10002000]

So the entire high level government will be appointed, not elected. And that will then lead to free and open elections next year, and a constitution approved by the people?

[Just1Voice]

So the entire high level government will be appointed, not elected. And that will then lead to free and open elections next year, and a constitution approved by the people?

I wouldn't hold your breath on that one.

[smedly]

The NCPO and appointed government should not be stepping down until this process is completed 100%

This has been the problem time after time were the reforms are left untidy and incomplete allowing the next elected government to or attempt to unravel the whole thing polarising the people - causing conflict and eventually another coup

This thing needs to be completely finished and solid and approved by the people

The NCPO have been doing a stellar job up to now and it is pretty obvious with the rot they have exposed so far in a few places like Phuket - there is a lot more to be done, the criminality - corruption and mafia type organisation in this country is quite staggering and continued unabated because it involved local administration and those that were meant to investigate offences and prosecute - like law enforcement agencies

This cleanout and change of mindset will take a lot longer that 12 months, I fear that the cleansing cycle will not be finished and the dirty water will not drained and the laundry is going to remain soiled - rinse spin rinse spin rinse spin until it comes out pristine

[rethaier]

they are not going to give up power easily.

Good.

[smutcakes]

The NCPO and appointed government should not be stepping down until this process is completed 100%

This has been the problem time after time were the reforms are left untidy and incomplete allowing the next elected government to or attempt to unravel the whole thing polarising the people - causing conflict and eventually another coup

This thing needs to be completely finished and solid and approved by the people

The NCPO have been doing a stellar job up to now and it is pretty obvious with the rot they have exposed so far in a few places like Phuket - there is a lot more to be done, the criminality - corruption and mafia type organisation in this country is quite staggering and continued unabated because it involved local administration and those that were meant to investigate offences and prosecute - like law enforcement agencies

This cleanout and change of mindset will take a lot longer that 12 months, I fear that the cleansing cycle will not be finished and the dirty water will not drained and the laundry is going to remain soiled - rinse spin rinse spin rinse spin until it comes out pristine

You are living in a fantasy world if you really think the NCPO even with all the power they wield given unlimited time could clean out the issues, or whether they really intend to.

[nong38]

Prayuth has the support of the people, he will see the job through and if he wants to be caretaker PM, well who else would anyone suggest?

He has declared there will not be an election before October 2015 and there is still a lot to sort out, if it takes longer I think the only people who will complain are on this forum and some "western democracries" who really dont understand the position here. They apply their own western culture, naturally, to a country they think is the same as theirs and we know it is not the same as at all. The countries that have had dealings with the junta seem satisfied with what is going on for now, so we all need to give the General the time to sort things out as best he can, since 1932 they have failed to do it so far.

We must also hope the politiicians selected for the parliament are a good cross section of good people, a new breed of politicians that want to serve their country first.

[Thailand]

Prayuth has the support of the people, he will see the job through and if he wants to be caretaker PM, well who else would anyone suggest?

He has declared there will not be an election before October 2015 and there is still a lot to sort out, if it takes longer I think the only people who will complain are on this forum and some "western democracries" who really dont understand the position here. They apply their own western culture, naturally, to a country they think is the same as theirs and we know it is not the same as at all. The countries that have had dealings with the junta seem satisfied with what is going on for now, so we all need to give the General the time to sort things out as best he can, since 1932 they have failed to do it so far.

We must also hope the politiicians selected for the parliament are a good cross section of good people, a new breed of politicians that want to serve their country first.

GP has just given himself absolute power so any of those persons selected for government etc might just as well do as they are told, in fact I am sure that will be one of the criteria for selection.

It will be a "government" in name only with GP having the absolute final say over everything!

[wilgoster]

... For the next 15 months... at least 15.

[Boxclever]

The NCPO is doing a good job so far in exposing and dealing with corruption at institutional levels.

When are they going to scrutinize the department of defense and the armed forces?

[trainman34014]

It doesn't matter what we think about any of it as our views are of little interest to Thai's. Most Thai's i speak to would be happy for the Junta to stay in power for years to come as they are sick to death of political turmoil and the greedy few fighting over the spoils.

No doubt we will have all the pro democracy mob screaming but the truth is the population at large doesn't see it bringing them anything more than what they've suffered already. Let them be to make their own decisions.

[smutcakes]

It doesn't matter what we think about any of it as our views are of little interest to Thai's. Most Thai's i speak to would be happy for the Junta to stay in power for years to come as they are sick to death of political turmoil and the greedy few fighting over the spoils.

No doubt we will have all the pro democracy mob screaming but the truth is the population at large doesn't see it bringing them anything more than what they've suffered already. Let them be to make their own decisions.

They probably would if given a chance.....

[Always18]

So the entire high level government will be appointed, not elected. And that will then lead to free and open elections next year, and a constitution approved by the people?

I wouldn't hold your breath on that one.

In my view, any constitution that is imposed rather than enshrined by popular vote (ie approved by the people in a national referendum) is doomed to fail.

If the Thai populace do not feel that they "own" the constitution, they will ignore it as they traditionally have done with any laws that they do not agree with..............

[smedly]

The NCPO and appointed government should not be stepping down until this process is completed 100%

This has been the problem time after time were the reforms are left untidy and incomplete allowing the next elected government to or attempt to unravel the whole thing polarising the people - causing conflict and eventually another coup

This thing needs to be completely finished and solid and approved by the people

The NCPO have been doing a stellar job up to now and it is pretty obvious with the rot they have exposed so far in a few places like Phuket - there is a lot more to be done, the criminality - corruption and mafia type organisation in this country is quite staggering and continued unabated because it involved local administration and those that were meant to investigate offences and prosecute - like law enforcement agencies

This cleanout and change of mindset will take a lot longer that 12 months, I fear that the cleansing cycle will not be finished and the dirty water will not drained and the laundry is going to remain soiled - rinse spin rinse spin rinse spin until it comes out pristine

You are living in a fantasy world if you really think the NCPO even with all the power they wield given unlimited time could clean out the issues, or whether they really intend to.

another stellar contribution - so you think this is a pointless exorcise then and no good will come of it - I think you are full of smuttcakes whatever that is but it sounds about right

I never said they would remove all the problems, I am simply making the point that limiting the amount of time for the effort will end badly

I am under no illusion or fantasy about how difficult the job is and that they will resolve all the issues, it's all about exposure and removal then setting a foundation to make it difficult to fall back to the old ways

so far Prayuth has been impressive - the only people that will oppose him are those that have been abusers lawbreakers and corruptors

Edited July 25, 2014 by smedly

[smutcakes]

The NCPO and appointed government should not be stepping down until this process is completed 100%

This has been the problem time after time were the reforms are left untidy and incomplete allowing the next elected government to or attempt to unravel the whole thing polarising the people - causing conflict and eventually another coup

This thing needs to be completely finished and solid and approved by the people

The NCPO have been doing a stellar job up to now and it is pretty obvious with the rot they have exposed so far in a few places like Phuket - there is a lot more to be done, the criminality - corruption and mafia type organisation in this country is quite staggering and continued unabated because it involved local administration and those that were meant to investigate offences and prosecute - like law enforcement agencies

This cleanout and change of mindset will take a lot longer that 12 months, I fear that the cleansing cycle will not be finished and the dirty water will not drained and the laundry is going to remain soiled - rinse spin rinse spin rinse spin until it comes out pristine

You are living in a fantasy world if you really think the NCPO even with all the power they wield given unlimited time could clean out the issues, or whether they really intend to.

another stellar contribution - so you think this is a pointless exorcise then and no good will come of it - I think you are full of smuttcakes whatever that is but it sounds about right

I never said they would remove all the problems, I am simply making the point that limiting the amount of time for the effort will end badly

I am under no illusion or fantasy about how difficult the job is and that they will resolve all the issues, it's all about exposure and removal then setting a foundation to make it difficult to fall back to the old ways

so far Prayuth has been impressive - the only people that will oppose him are those that have been abusers lawbreakers and corruptors

Or those who have been detained without charge or breaking the law

[JesseFrank]

I hope so- until now they are doing a great job or rather have great intentions.

I hope so- until now they are doing a great job or rather have great intentions of window dressing and populist governing .

[heybruce]

The NCPO is doing a good job so far in exposing and dealing with corruption at institutional levels. When are they going to scrutinize the department of defense and the armed forces?

Have they really addressed corruption at the institutional levels? Are civil service jobs being awarded based on merit instead of connections and bribes? Have conflicts of interests, such as civil servants and military officers holding positions and interests in companies doing business with the government, been addressed? Has anyone looked into "rumors", which seem to be common knowledge in Thai families, of draft deferments being sold? Has there been an investigation into allegations raised by Reuters of the Navy being complicit in people smuggling? Has the press been freed to report on questionable government actions?

They've found some arms caches with suspicious ease, and tackled some of the more blatant tourist scams. These are good things to do, but I don't consider them institutional reform. I'm still waiting for that.

[rickirs]

Here’s where the roadmap is now:

1) "Special powers" to remain in the hands of the junta leader under Article 44 of the provisional constitution which states that the junta's orders are binding and effectively equal to laws.

2) The NCPO will have the final say in selecting the 220 members of the National Legislative Assembly.

3) The prime minister and a 35-member Cabinet will be nominated by the NLA.

3) The Constitution Drafting Assembly (CDA) will have 36 members appointed by the chairman of the National Reform Council who in turn is appointed by the NCPO led by Prayuth. The rest of the CDA will comprise of 20 members nominated by the National Reform Council; five by the NLA; five by the Cabinet and five directly by the NCPO.

4) The NCPO will select the 250 members to sit on the National Reform Council.

5) Article 44 of the 2014 Interim Constitution, which permits the NCPO to stay in power after a temporary civilian government is formed and enables NCPO chairman Gen. Prayuth to unilaterally intervene in matters related to "national security" and "public order.”

Under Article 44 Gen. Prayuth is allowed "to order, to suspend, or to take action, regardless of its effects on the legislative, executive or judiciary" against any perceived threats to "public order, national security, the monarchy, national economy or sovereignty of the country" without a process to challenge or scrutinize such acts. Thus, under Article 44 the NCPO has the ability to issue a law or reverse a court verdict."

6) There is no legislative barrier preventing Gen. Prayuth from becoming BOTH Prime Minister and Defense Minister. Should he retire there is nothing to prevent his successor from extending NCPO control.

The junta's easy ride may end but it's questionable whether its control of the nation will also end.

[ginjag]

they are not going to give up power easily.

Easily means doom, and mai pen rai. It hasn't been easy for the army to clean up the mess and steer towards a new start so after 2 months only, pretty good in general, despite the few that want to keep throwing up, the same rubbish---democracy--junta dictatorship--censorship--Marshall law-- who cares, as it does little to affect the Thai in the street. It does affect corrupt and disruptive organizations and posters who cannot let go of this PTP elected regime. Who cares who is in power if the job is getting sorted.

It took 3 years and NOTHING was sorted.

[steve73]

As long as he doesn't try and "do a Putin".

[ginjag]

The NCPO is doing a good job so far in exposing and dealing with corruption at institutional levels. When are they going to scrutinize the department of defense and the armed forces?

Have they really addressed corruption at the institutional levels? Are civil service jobs being awarded based on merit instead of connections and bribes? Have conflicts of interests, such as civil servants and military officers holding positions and interests in companies doing business with the government, been addressed? Has anyone looked into "rumors", which seem to be common knowledge in Thai families, of draft deferments being sold? Has there been an investigation into allegations raised by Reuters of the Navy being complicit in people smuggling? Has the press been freed to report on questionable government actions?

They've found some arms caches with suspicious ease, and tackled some of the more blatant tourist scams. These are good things to do, but I don't consider them institutional reform. I'm still waiting for that.

IN 8 WEEKS, get real and try to get to thinking straight. Question to you, Could you do all your complaining about in 2 months ??? 2nd Question why didn't you ask the same during 3 years of the Shin regime. I note the arms and scams you admit they are tackling, How on earth can they get to zero corruption etc in this short time. The press once they are deemed to be fair and honest about issues then freedom could be given the go ahead.

Remember my friend Yingluck asked for time for her after 1 year in office to sort out the problems, 2 more years on she did nothing. TIME please. After 1 year or so then jump in with both feet and be a critic.

[ginjag]

As long as he doesn't try and "do a Putin".

You mean veto everything do weight training, be as macho as possible and try to obliterate gays.

[ginjag]

I hope so- until now they are doing a great job or rather have great intentions.

I hope so- until now they are doing a great job or rather have great intentions of window dressing and populist governing .

But the general has no time for WINDOW DRxxxxx Shopping.

[laolover88]

There is so much to be done.

You can't get a corrupt train wreck like Thailand back on the 'rails' in a few months.

A crunch will come if and when the NCPO chooses an issue to take on the corrupt elite. Phuket hotels are a possibility as an easy target. Encroachment for profit almost anywhere is another. Motorcycle taxis, Vans and Taxis and beach restaurants are small beer

If you start here:

http://www.humanrights.asia/resources/journals-magazines/article2/0901/07fighting-corruption-from-the-bottom-the-case-of-thailand

you get some idea of the scale of the problem when it comes to serious government and industrial contracts.

And I am not suggesting Thailand is in a worse shape than many other parts of the world. The EU is not called a 'gravy train' for nothing!

Wherever there is a trough or a truffle there will be a pig (or two)

[heybruce]

The NCPO is doing a good job so far in exposing and dealing with corruption at institutional levels. When are they going to scrutinize the department of defense and the armed forces?

Have they really addressed corruption at the institutional levels? Are civil service jobs being awarded based on merit instead of connections and bribes? Have conflicts of interests, such as civil servants and military officers holding positions and interests in companies doing business with the government, been addressed? Has anyone looked into "rumors", which seem to be common knowledge in Thai families, of draft deferments being sold? Has there been an investigation into allegations raised by Reuters of the Navy being complicit in people smuggling? Has the press been freed to report on questionable government actions?

They've found some arms caches with suspicious ease, and tackled some of the more blatant tourist scams. These are good things to do, but I don't consider them institutional reform. I'm still waiting for that.

IN 8 WEEKS, get real and try to get to thinking straight. Question to you, Could you do all your complaining about in 2 months ??? 2nd Question why didn't you ask the same during 3 years of the Shin regime. I note the arms and scams you admit they are tackling, How on earth can they get to zero corruption etc in this short time. The press once they are deemed to be fair and honest about issues then freedom could be given the go ahead.

Remember my friend Yingluck asked for time for her after 1 year in office to sort out the problems, 2 more years on she did nothing. TIME please. After 1 year or so then jump in with both feet and be a critic.

Eight weeks is plenty of time to state some kind of concern for the endemic corruption I referred to, and an intention to deal with it. I was unhappy about corruption and a lot of other things during the PTP's time in office, but since the Thai people had the option of elections to kick out a poorly performing government, I was content to let the Thai people work out how they wanted to be governed. That's the biggest difference between a democracy and a junta; under a democracy the people have a non-violent way to eject the government. Their options are limited under a junta.

My complements to you justification for censorship: "The press once they are deemed to be fair and honest about issues then freedom could be given the go ahead." It's very dark humor, but I'm sure many readers will get a good laugh out of it.

[heybruce]

There is so much to be done.

You can't get a corrupt train wreck like Thailand back on the 'rails' in a few months.

A crunch will come if and when the NCPO chooses an issue to take on the corrupt elite. Phuket hotels are a possibility as an easy target. Encroachment for profit almost anywhere is another. Motorcycle taxis, Vans and Taxis and beach restaurants are small beer

If you start here:

http://www.humanrights.asia/resources/journals-magazines/article2/0901/07fighting-corruption-from-the-bottom-the-case-of-thailand

you get some idea of the scale of the problem when it comes to serious government and industrial contracts.

And I am not suggesting Thailand is in a worse shape than many other parts of the world. The EU is not called a 'gravy train' for nothing!

Wherever there is a trough or a truffle there will be a pig (or two)

It's a good paper, do you know when it was written or published?

As a firm believer in the importance of the press as the "fourth estate", I found this part about the challenges of watchdog organizations interesting:

"They might have difficulty to find media personnel willing to publicize the case. And even if they can find good media people to help make the scandal known to the public, there is little chance that state institutions will investigate."

Academic writing tends towards understatement.

[nong38]

Prayuth has the support of the people, he will see the job through and if he wants to be caretaker PM, well who else would anyone suggest?

He has declared there will not be an election before October 2015 and there is still a lot to sort out, if it takes longer I think the only people who will complain are on this forum and some "western democracries" who really dont understand the position here. They apply their own western culture, naturally, to a country they think is the same as theirs and we know it is not the same as at all. The countries that have had dealings with the junta seem satisfied with what is going on for now, so we all need to give the General the time to sort things out as best he can, since 1932 they have failed to do it so far.

We must also hope the politiicians selected for the parliament are a good cross section of good people, a new breed of politicians that want to serve their country first.

GP has just given himself absolute power so any of those persons selected for government etc might just as well do as they are told, in fact I am sure that will be one of the criteria for selection.

It will be a "government" in name only with GP having the absolute final say over everything!

Well I for one am willing to give GP a chance to change the political landscape, let us wait for the selected ones, see if they come up with the goods and lets see where it leads before condeming the man. I agree he has absoulute power but I also believe he will use it wisely and for the good of the country, only time will tell who will be right. Most Thais I speak to seem happy with the Junta running things for now, it will get more difficult as time goes on, but things had to change, what was going on before ( for many years) clearly was not working, something new had to be tried, time is not the issue here laying a good foundation for the future is. I am hopeful, rather than cynical about the situation.