In a separate speech, he assured Thai and foreign investors that the government would adhere to its road map for the next general election to be held next year.
The prime minister tried to assure foreign investors about the country’s stability and said that in the near future Thailand will have a new king and the government will continue performing its duties in all areas.
In response to media questions as to whether the NLA would convene a special meeting to discuss “some special agenda”, Prayut confirmed that this meeting would be held after the Cabinet’s session.
“Everything follows the procedure, and every important step has remained unchanged,” he told reporters.
After the Cabinet meeting, he said, the “matter” would then be forwarded to the NLA. He did not elaborate.
Prayut also addressed investors in a separate speech at a luncheon organised by the Joint Foreign Chambers of Commerce in Thailand. He said the government was committed to its road map towards a general election within 2017 and said they should have no concerns about the matter.
He said the government would do what it can to steer the country towards a full democracy, adding that he has never ignored democracy.
The rest of the time will be used to lay a foundation for a 20-year strategic plan for the country which he said will be accomplished regardless of who is in power.
The PM also said that the government was ready to eliminate obstacles and standardise rules to support investment from other countries.
“At this point there should not be any question about the road map. The road map is the road map and the government is ready to steer the country for the rest of its time in power,” he said. “We will still follow the road map.”
In an interview in Parliament, NLA president Pornpetch Wichitcholchai confirmed that the government had suggested that the assembly convene the special meeting. He explained that meetings held outside the normal schedule are “special”. Normal NLA meetings are usually held on Thursdays and Fridays.
However, the NLA president said, the government has at this point only called on the assembly to convene this meeting, without informing them what the |meeting was about. The meeting could be about legislation promulgation, conventions or any other urgent issues, he said, adding that the NLA has not addressed any agenda specific to the schedule.
“Once I know what the matter is about, I will immediately issue a formal meeting agenda,” Pornpetch said.