DPM Wissanu: No conclusion yet on proposal for appointed senators

BANGKOK, 10 March 2016 (NNT) – A deputy prime minister has confirmed that there remains no conclusion on the proposal that Thailand should have appointed senators in office during the political transition period.

DPM Wissanu Krea-ngam said on Wednesday that, so far, the issue remains speculation as to what may happen in the future while the final decision lies with the authority of the Constitution Drafting Commission.

Mr. Wissanu said that the CDC’s decision should be known by the end of March.

He went on to say that Deputy Prime Minister, Gen. Prawit Wongsuwon’s earlier comment about the future political career of members of the National Council for Peace and Order could only mean that any NCPO member could become a senator.

He said that Gen. Prawit would not have meant that the entire NCPO would proceed to work for the Upper House after the new charter takes effect.

The DPM also said that the draft law to maintain order during the public referendum on the draft charter will likely be presented to the Cabinet for consideration next week.


-- NNT 2016-03-10

They are all selected, not elected, already.

The gyrations about appointing, not "selecting" Senators is about something else which needs even more control.

And this is a complete mis-statement:

Mr. Wissanu said that the CDC’s decision should be known by the end of March.

That would more correctly be along the lines of "the CDC's public agreement with the decision of the Junta should be known by the end of March"

Of course there's a conclusion....The PM and DPM have pretty much stated that fact!

DPM Wissanu Krea-ngam said on Wednesday that, so far, the issue remains speculation as to what may happen in the future

I thought Prayut made it clear that speculation and rumor have no place in his regime. It might cause harmful damage to his government's reputation and conflict among Thais. Prayut has insisted that only facts are relevant. Wissanu needs an attitude adjustment.

Furthermore, it is not for Wissanu to be CDC's spokeman. CDC considers its role to be independent of the NCPO and the Prayut government. Wissanu should be deferring any questions about CDC's status on the draft charter to CDC Chairman Meechai.

I expect a sharp rebuke from Meechai of Wissanu overstepping his authority and causing potential public conflict.

Silence from Meechai and Prayut on Wissanu's remarks would otherwise question CDC's independence.

any NCPO member could become a senator.

Imagine Prayut as President of the Senate with the two Vice Presidents coming also from the NCPO.

It won't matter whomever the Thai people elect to government. The Senate will become the powerhouse of the nation.

any NCPO member could become a senator.

Imagine Prayut as President of the Senate with the two Vice Presidents coming also from the NCPO.

It won't matter whomever the Thai people elect to government. The Senate will become the powerhouse of the nation.

That will make coup unnecessary for next 5 years. After the 5 years lapped, the constitution court will rule any attempt to change the senate set-up as unconstitution and that will solidify the military position for the future. Mynmar comes in mind with their 25% unelected lower house military seats in the constitution. The junta apologists should love this undemocratic attempt.

I was wondering what cunning plan was in store to enable the junta to retain power after an election. Now I know.

The NCPO is going to become the senate. I would have suggested it earlier but didn't think they had the cheek until I read this report.

Edited March 10, 201610 yr by jesimps

I was wondering what cunning plan was in store to enable the junta to retain power after an election. Now I know.

The NCPO is going to become the senate. I would have suggested it earlier but didn't think they had the cheek until I read this report.

There is an article about it in the BP website.

any NCPO member could become a senator.

Imagine Prayut as President of the Senate with the two Vice Presidents coming also from the NCPO.

It won't matter whomever the Thai people elect to government. The Senate will become the powerhouse of the nation.

The draft Charter is organized to turn the lower house into a squabbling, ineffective mess, while the selected Senate and Judiciary maintain control. The new Administrative Court is the rubber stamp.