Reform Council members won't be swayed by junta, Army chief says

SUNDAY, June 14, 2015

MEMBERS of the National Reform Council (NRC) will use their own judgement when they vote on the draft charter and they won't be swayed by the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) or the Cabinet, the Army Chief General Udomdej Sitabutr has said.

Udomdej, who is also the deputy defence minister, said there has been no interference so far because the two councils and the Cabinet have unique roles.

For example, the NCPO had to implement a nine-point strategy to move the country forward after the political deadlock in May 2014, as the strategy supports the work of the Cabinet.

The NRC members will have to make their own decision on endorsing the new constitution and a national referendum, he said.

Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-o-cha has made remarks about a general election being held this year, but Udomdej said there are worries about a delay because of the possible need to hold a referendum.

On the latest speculation about a counter-coup, Udomdej said such baseless undercurrents are aimed at sowing the seeds of dissent in the military and society at large.

No counter-coup

“I can say that every unit responsible for national security has no such thinking. We’re part of the government. I think the rumour mongers don’t want the transition to be smooth.

“We have meetings with the Cabinet every week.

“This kind of rumour is not good and hurts the country’s economy and tourism.”