National reform ‘super board’ to be set up by August 30
The government is expected to set up a “super board” by August 30 to oversee the binding, 20-year national strategy following Monday’s enactment of the national strategy bill.
As the bill’s Article 12 stipulates, the board will include Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-o-cha and presidents of the Upper and Lower houses as vice presidents.
The National Legislative Assembly, which is wholly handpicked by the junta, is now acting as the Senate while the Lower House’s function was performed by the now-defunct National Reform Steering Assembly.
Another vice president of the board will be either a deputy prime minister or a minister. Members will also include military chiefs, commerce and industry chairpersons, and experts appointed by various ministries.
The Cabinet acknowledged the issue yesterday after being briefed by Deputy Prime Minister Wissanu Krea-ngam and PM’s Office Minister Suvit Maesincee, according to government Spokesperson Lt-General Sansern Kaewkamnerd.
Another bill on national reforms was also enacted on Monday. In response, Sansern said, the government needed to set up 11 reform committees within 15 days after the law comes in effect.
Two subcommittees have already been set up on educational and police reform. However, the latter panel has not been fully set up.