BANGKOK-
— Pheu Thai Party-list MP Prayut Siripanich has announced the withdrawal of his contentious draft bill aimed at amending the Defence Ministry Administration Act. The legislative proposal, which intended to curb the military’s influence by shifting the power to appoint generals from military leadership to the Cabinet, faced significant opposition from coalition partners and military stakeholders.
The decision to withdraw the bill came after criticism from Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul of the Bhumjaithai Party. Anutin argued that historical evidence suggests laws aimed at preventing coups are largely ineffective once a coup is underway. He stated that political integrity and avoiding provocations could be more effective deterrents against military takeovers.
Adding to the discourse, Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai, a senior Pheu Thai member, clarified that the draft bill was not an official party initiative but was instead proposed by a small group within the party. This clarification was intended to distance the Pheu Thai leadership from the controversial proposal.
Prayut Siripanich has expressed his intent to revise approximately ten aspects of the bill before potentially reintroducing it. He noted that since the draft has not yet moved to the debate phase in parliament, there is still an opportunity for amendments. Prayut plans to take into account the feedback from the ongoing public hearing, set to conclude on January 1, before proceeding.
The bill’s key proposals included transferring the authority to appoint military generals to a Cabinet-appointed committee, thus diminishing the control of military chiefs in this process. It also suggested that the prime minister, rather than the Defence Minister, should chair the Defence Council, signaling a move towards greater civilian oversight of military affairs. Additional measures in the draft aimed at enforcing stricter criteria for military promotions, excluding individuals with ties to corruption or criminal acts, and imposing harsher penalties for any misuse of military power for political gains.
Despite the withdrawal, Prayut remains committed to the cause of military reform, indicating a belief that the proposed changes would ultimately serve the interests of both the military and the democratic framework of Thailand.
