A job-sharing job as prime minister and army chief for coup leader General Prayuth Chan-ocha would be extremely unwise, says one senior Asian diplomat [apparently voicing the views of more diplomats].
“A checklist for returning to normalcy is civilian government. It doesn't matter if they are all named; we know that the junta now has a strong grip on everything in the country.”
While unsatisfactory, it would not be a problem for Prayuth to become prime minister after his retirement in September, but he would have to relinquish his military post. "It is unacceptable for the coup leader to lead the country for a long period of time."
A European diplomat, also anonymous, says that the diplomatic positions [?] must be assessed weekly, if not daily, as the junta has become increasingly 'unpredictable'.
A provisional constitution is currently being finalized, which provides for the formation of a Legislative Assembly (200 people), a Reform Council (250 people) and a Constitutional Commission (35 to 40 people). That commission will draw up a definitive constitution (the 18th since 1932).
Sudarat Keyuraphan, former cabinet member of the Thaksin government, believes that the voice of the population should be heard. The draft constitution should be put to the people in a referendum, but that should not be done as in 2007, when the people could only vote yes or no.
“The process must be accepted both internationally and domestically. It must be a process in which people can express their choice before voting in the referendum.'
Red shirt sympathizer Prateep Ungsongtham also thinks it is important that the opinions of the population are heard before the Constitutional Commission presents its final version.
A former member of the Electoral Council believes it is important that the junta review the electoral system so that politicians cannot corrupt the system again. “There are currently two dilemmas for the junta. Are they themselves ethical and decent enough to judge others and second: they cannot stay in power forever. People will get impatient when they do that.'
(Source: Bangkok Post, July 6, 2014)