Kamnans, village heads call on scrapping of proposed reform of their posts
Representatives of tambon chiefs and village heads petitioned National Reform Steering Assembly chairman Tinnapan Nakata on Monday, urging him to withdraw the proposal for chief and village head to be elected by the public and serve shorter terms as part of the reform push.
The NRSA’s political reform committee proposed the direct election of tambon chiefs or kamnans, who are currently in those position until they retire. Under the proposal, their terms would be reduced to five years.
The committee proposed the current village heads continue to serve until retirement but new village heads would be elected and serve five-year terms.
The changes would be done by amending related laws.
Yongyos Kaewkhiew, president of Kamnans and Village Chiefs Association, said the shortened terms would affect the continuity of work and weaken work.
Yongyos, who led the petition filing, rejected the notion kamnans and village chief use the areas they control as political bases, saying people are smart enough to not fall under anyone’s influence and social media is used to keep kamnans and village heads in check.
He said the group would continue opposing the plan, but would not yet stage any demonstrations.
However, he said it would gather in front of city halls nationwide to symbolise its opposition.
The NRSA is scheduled to consider the plan on Tuesday.