Meechai vague about joining new charter panel

In response to comments posted in his personal website, www.meechaithailand.com, he said he was thinking about what was happening to the country and why the media was speculating on whether he had accepted the job to become the new CDC chief. But he said he did not have to explain his reasons on how he would respond to the offer. 

Meanwhile, Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-o-cha said he has not ruled out the proposed candidates, including Meechai and former premier Anand Panyarachun, but reiterated that he would only make a final decision once he has returned from the United |Nations General Assembly in New York.

Prayut went on to say that involved officials would consider the names proposed, as well as talk to the nominees, but he would have the final word when he returns. 

The premier said he would discuss the issue of selecting both charter drafters and members of the Reform Steering Council with the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO), adding that the key thing was that people consider the end result, not whether the new draft charter will be accepted. 

As for the criteria for charter drafters and reformers, Prayut said he would stick with those who contribute to the country. 

 

Not that many nominees: PM

So far, he said, only 20 to 30 names have been proposed, adding that not many candidates really wanted to participate as they consider it like standing amid a conflict. 

Prayut said they should not be pressured, adding that proposals could be made but things would depend on how drafters want to write the charter. 

“Let them work independently. National interest should be the key principle, so decent people would want to join. If you say they are serving the NCPO, then nobody would want to do the job,” Prayut said.

As for members of the steering council, he said the details swirling around had not been finalised and may be subject to change. 

If there were too many military men, then the number could be cut down, he said. 

When asked how many politicians would join the council, he said not many, before adding, “if you don’t want to join, it’s up to you. But don’t complain later.” 

Meanwhile, Deputy Prime Minister Wissanu Krea-ngam denied having approached Meechai for the post of charter drafting committee head. He said he had only been ordered by the PM to gather names and find out if people were willing to participate. He added that those joining the two panels would have to give up what they are doing now, and would not be able to hold any political posts for two years, Wissanu said. 

They would discuss the matter with the premier when he returns to Bangkok on October 2. 

Prayut has put Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwan in charge while he is in New York.