Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha insists he will stick to the road map for a return to democracy even as some legislators propose the country wait another two years for reforms to be put in place.
Some National Legislative Assembly (NLA) members have suggested the public be asked in a referendum whether they are happy to wait another two years before the reforms take effect, which would effectively extend Gen Prayut's term in office.
Prayut: Sticking to roadmap
Gen Prayut, however, said he would stick by the timeline set out in the roadmap, which calls for an election in February next year.
Paiboon Nititawan, who floated the referendum idea, said he would rather let people decide. He was asked whether his poll call would extend the term of the National council for Peace and Order (NCPO), the NLA and the government.
NLA member Worawit Sianantaraksa said he supports Mr Paiboon, who is also member of the Charter Drafting Committee (CDC), arguing people should have a say whether they want political conflicts solved through reform first. Some legislators are worried the timeline set down for a return to democracy may be too tight, especially given some of the concerns raised about the draft charter.
The premier's comment comes as politicians, domestically and internationally, call on him to observe the time frame set out previously for a return to democracy.
Gen Prayut said the interim charter states clearly the process and timing for drafting a new constitution, which will pave the way for the election. The government, along with NCPO, will follow this road map, said Gen Prayut, also chief of the NCPO, which staged the coup to bring an end to the political conflicts on May 22 last year.
The draft charter was prepared by the CDC. It needs approval from the National Legislative Assembly (NLA) to kick-start the process towards the election.
However, the draft charter also has sparked criticism among NLA members, parties and local administrative leaders who say it could shake up the political system in undesirable ways.
Among the controversial issues are concerns the next government will push a bill granting an amnesty for political offenders. Politicians also dislike the German-style mixed member proportional (MMP) representation system which uses party votes to determine the number of MPs, a prospect seen as downsizing major political parties. Local leaders, meanwhile, are worried some clauses in the charter will restructure administrative management at the cost of their jobs.
Gen Prayut said Tuesday his cabinet and the NCPO are working on their reactions to the draft charter and will send them to the CDC. It has until July 23 to look at the changes before sending the amended draft charter back to the NRC for a vote on Aug 6.
If things go smoothly, the draft charter will be forwarded to the King for endorsement by Sept 4. But if this final version is shot down in the NLA, "we will have to draft it again", Gen Prayut said. That could result in his office spending longer in power even without the poll plan.
Also on Tuesday, Gen Prayut became impatient wit reporters asking what he would do once the road map is complete, asking: "Why do you keep asking me when I will go to pave the way for the election?"