Sceptics view the proposal as nothing short of an attempt by the junta to stay in power post-election.

But the junta claims it needs time to create change after what was done to the country by the political camp of ex-PM Thaksin Shinawatra, which ruled for more than a decade.

The Thaksin camp brought change to state agencies such as the police, the military and independent agencies as well as the bureaucratic system.

Changes took place even in the courts, which had previously not been tainted in the eyes of the public.

A court sentenced a police colonel to two years in jail without probation for bribing the court.

A source from the National Council for Peace and Order said the junta presented its 16 charter proposals to CDC chairman Meechai Ruchupan after the heads of the four core agencies met.

They are: NCPO chief Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, the National Legislative Assembly chairman and the National Reform Steering Assembly president.

The source said the proposal for selected senators was being pushed because the junta needed more time to carry out its work as the country’ legal structure required legal changes. Although the PM has absolute power under Article 44 of the interim constitution, resorting to such power too often is not recommended, the source said.

“Resorting to the special power during the transition period may not bring about peace but may intensify violence,” he said.

The five-year period for senators to serve is enough time to usher in a new era, especially for the police, he said.

“Appointing Pol General Chaktip Chaijinda as national police chief sends a clear signal. Chaktip will retire in the next five years, which is enough time to change the red colour in the police into khaki,” he said.

He said there was nothing to be concerned about because the junta had to put the right men in the right place, which ensured that the new breed of military men would defend non-elected senators.

The heads of other state agencies had been replaced since the junta took power, and the junta had assigned the National Reform Council to work out a plan to stop state agencies being influenced by politicians.

The source said during the five-year transitional period there would be at least three different permanent secretaries in each ministry while the Interior Ministry could replace all 77 provincial governors.

The major goal the junta wanted to see achieved was the neutralising of politicians who created national divisions.

The charter draft had put restrictions on politicians. Those who refused to change their behaviour would not have a voice.

“They would not be allowed to create damage to the country. They would not be allowed to promise the people something impossible,” the source said.

The junta also wants non-elected senators to serve five years to ensure the charter will not be cancelled easily, the source said.

“The charter should at least not be cancelled until a second election is held. The junta is also worried that elected governments may change the essence of basic infrastructure projects, causing delays and extra expenses,” he said.

Another important proposal the NRC wants the junta to take on is monastic reform in order mend national divisions caused by religious conflicts, the source said.

Religious reform is badly needed after the legal affairs related to temples and monks were overlooked, he said.

“The distortion of Dharma and Buddhism rules has caused national divisions and this needs time to solve,” he said.