Prayuth tipped for 2 top jobs

National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) chief Gen Prayuth Chan-ocha is expected to take up the roles of both prime minister and NCPO chief in the new cabinet line-up. 

According to a source, Gen Prayuth will take the two top posts while former army chief Gen Anupong Paojinda is tipped to become a deputy prime minister and defence minister.

Gen Prayuth has a close relationship with Gen Anupong, the source said, adding that they served in the Queen's Guard and the Burapha Phayak task force together.

ACM Itthiporn Supawong, a former air force chief, is tipped to become a deputy defence minister while air force commander ACM Prajin Jantong will become a deputy prime minister and transport minister, said the source.

Supreme Commander Gen Tanasak Patimapragorn is set to become foreign minister and assistant army chief Gen Paiboon Khumchaya, head of judicial affairs for the NCPO, will likely be permanent secretary for defence and interior minister.

Deputy army chief Gen Udomdech Sitabutr is expected to succeed Gen Prayuth as the new army chief.

Speculation had indicated Gen Prayuth might appoint Gen Tanasak as interior minister so he could continue with his tasks of regulating migrant labour and security affairs.

Gen Prayuth: Within a month, he will appoint himself to the top two positions and name military allies to control government and the legislature.

It was also suggested Gen Paiboon would become permanent secretary for defence and justice minister.

Gen Prayuth said Monday the National Legislative Assembly (NLA) will be established by the end of this month. It would hold its first meeting in the middle of next month, after which a prime minister will be nominated and cabinet appointed.

Gen Prayuth has submitted a list of 200 NLA members for royal endorsement. The list is expected to get the seal of approval this week.

A total of 110 of the 200 members are reportedly high-ranking officers in the armed forces, ranging from regional commanders to chiefs of staff, and retired officers with close ties to the NCPO.

Gen Surasak played down speculation he will chair the NLA, saying he has no legal expertise. He also said he is unlikely to head the National Reform Council because he is already head of the NCPO reform committee.

A source said Gen Prayuth has proposed only 200 names for royal endorsement to make room for suitable individuals to be appointed later. Under the interim charter, the NLA has 220 members.

Besides military officers, other proposed NLA members include former senators including Surachai Liangboonlertchai, Khamnoon Sitthisamarn, Adm Sitthawatchara Wongsuwon and ACM Weerawit Khongsak.

Among the academics said to be in line for seats are Thammasat University rector Somkid Lertpaitoon and Ramkhamhaeng University rector Wutthisak Lapcharoensap.

Sources said former senate speaker Meeechai Ruchuphan and Borwornsak Uwanno, secretary-general of the King Prajadhipok's Institute, have not been appointed. Mr Borwornsak is tipped to head the charter drafting committee.

There are two candidates for the NLA chairmanship; NCPO legal adviser Pornphet Vichitcholachai and former cabinet secretary-general Visanu Krue-ngam.

Permanent secretary for defence Surasak Kanchanarat has asked the public to understand the need for the NLA to be dominated by military officers. "The country is not yet in a normal situation," Gen Surasak said, insisting the shortlisted candidates are the cream of the crop.

Former appointed senator ACM Weerawit said Monday that no one had offered him a seat in the NLA.

Commenting on Mr Surachai's nomination, ACM Weerawit said the former deputy senate speaker is a legal specialist and a suitable choice. Mr Surachai helped draft the 1997 and 2007 charters.

A source in parliament said the NLA is expected to convene next week.