Army stacks NLA decks

BANGKOK: 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.

Read more:
Army stacks NLA decks