NLA military back Prayuth

Most military members of the National Legislative Assembly (NLA) have agreed to support coup leader Gen Prayuth Chan-ocha to become prime minister, an NLA source said. 

As of today, Gen Prayuth is virtually unopposed in the National Legislative Assembly, where he seems likely to be named prime minister to add to his titles of army commander and head of the all-powerful National Council for Peace and Order.

Gen Prayuth, who is the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) chief, effectively already holds the job of prime minister and is seen as the most suitable and charismatic, he said.

"The NLA military members will propose the name of Gen Prayuth without the need for lobbying or any other arrangements," the source said. "We must ask him to be the prime minister."

Of the total 200 total members, more than 100 are military and police who are thought likely to support Gen Prayuth for the top job, unless Gen Prayuth rejects the offer.

The NLA may convene to choose the prime minister on Friday, a day after the assembly is due to pick its chairman and deputy chairman.

His Royal Highness Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn, on behalf of His Majesty the King, will preside over the opening of the NLA on Thursday.

NCPO legal adviser Pornphet Wichitcholcha has emerged as a top candidate for president, and former Senate speaker Surachai Liengboonlertchai is expected to become deputy chairman, the source said.

NCPO legal adviser Visanu Krue-ngam, who was earlier expected to become NLA chairman, could become deputy prime minister for legal affairs instead in line with Gen Prayuth's wishes, the source said. ACM Prajin Juntong, deputy chief of the NCPO overseeing economic affairs, also lent support to Gen Prayuth as PM.

"Gen Prayuth has been able to take care of the country successfully for more than two months, so he's likely to be up to the job,'' ACM Prajin said.

Asked whether he was also interested in the job, ACM Prajin said he has no background for such a position, which needs broad-based support from many parties.

Gen Prayuth could also opt to stay on as NCPO chief, though he denied this risked giving too much power to the general.

The provisional charter says the government and the NCPO must work coherently and support each other, so having one man in both jobs could work out well.

ACM Prajin said he was uncertain whether the NCPO chief may have to be change eventually, but the members of the council will increase to 15 in line with the interim charter.

Responding to criticism the NLA is over-represented by the military, ACM Prajin said the NCPO intends asking a wide variety of people for help.

Meanwhile, most people are happy with the NLA's composition, according to the latest Suan Dusit Poll.

A survey of 1,214 people nationwide over the weekend found 47.8% were satisfied, as those appointed appear to have the required experience and ability.

Another 38% said they were fairly satisfied with those on the list because they represent capable people from various groups, while the rest said they were not satisfied.

Source: The Bangkok Post