The move is seen as an attempt to ease locals’ opposition against a plan.

The committee was established under an NCPO order published in the Royal Gazette on Wednesday.

The NPCO said it also wanted to listen to the voices of Southerners regarding the issue.

Either Army chief General Chalermchai Sittisart or NCPO secretary general General Noppadon Intapanya will chair the committee, which comprises representatives from various agencies including Region Army Area 4 chief Lt-General Piyawat Nakwanich.

Piyawat said the first public forum would be held in the South on Monday.