PM invokes special Article 44 powers to set up reform and reconciliation body

The premier said during his weekly press briefing at Government House that reconciliation would not focus on an amnesty or those who have fled the country. It would seek to resolve differences and prevent conflicts in the future, he said, without giving further details.
Prayut revealed the new structure, which he drew up, last week. It is the first time that reform, reconciliation and national strategy development work will be placed under the same directive of a new strategic body on reform and reconciliation, and the PM will chair it also. Other committees will be set up below it to help oversee and implement each area of work.
Under the lead of the supreme body, the national reform preparation committee will take over work of the National Reform Steering Assembly when it dissolves four months after the charter is activated. 
National strategy work handled by concerned bodies will then be handed to the 20-year national strategy preparation committee, while work on reconciliation will be handled by the military, and other bodies will be transferred to the reconciliation committee.
Deputy Prime Minister Wissanu Krea-ngam said on Monday that all committee members would be appointed this month so the panels can start working.
Wissanu said there were plans for the work, especially reconciliation, to take place at the start of this year as the government originally expected the charter to be promulgated last November, and it would have had one year to work on it. But he could not say whether the committees would finish the work before the government ends its term. If they did not, the work would be forwarded to the new government.
Another Deputy Prime Minister, Prawit Wongsuwan, said he would be in charge of reconciliation, and would invite political parties and groups for talks.
“We want to find a resolution for all – how we can live together in peace,” Prawit said. “We will find the best way out to deal with past incidents but this will have nothing to do with the legal process. 
“I expect to do this before the election as I want us to be able to live together. Some agreements may be needed. 
“Everything must have a rule to follow, so does reconciliation. I will try to achieve that but have no idea yet to what extent I can. But I want to see it happen,” he said.
Asked about an amnesty for people who committed offences for colour-coded mobs, Prawit said the legal process would be upheld. “I said, no [amnesty],” he added.