Preecha took leave under normal regulations of the National Legislative Assembly (NLA), Prawit said.

Preecha has been widely criticised online for taking frequent leave from the NLA despite receiving more than Bt100,000 monthly for serving in the position.

Prawit said that as Preecha also served as the defence permanent secretary he might need to take leave sometimes. But because the legislative votes were sometimes conducted article by article, it seemed as though Preecha had missed several meetings.

Prawit said he had already talked to NLA president Pornpetch Vichitcholchai. Prawit said they found no problems but he told Pornpetch to go ahead with setting up a committee to examine the case.

Prawit also said he had no problem with officials serving in several positions and added that he himself served in different positions.

Army Commander General Chalermchai Sittisart also defended the absence of NLA members from legislative meetings, including the PM’s brother.

Chalermchai said records on legislative votes are only part of NLA meeting regulations.

He urged the public to look at all of the work done by NLA members. He added that the House is far different from a normal House, as it draws members from various professions, many of whom are civil servants, meaning they also have their own work to take care of.

The general urged fair judgement on the present NLA’s performance, saying they have been trying to do their best.