The law would still take into account the Cabinet’s opinions from June 2015, said General Suchart Nongbua, spokesman of the National Legislative Assembly (NLA) committee vetting the national strategy law.

He said the inclusion was in line with a clause in the present Constitution stating that any legislation must follow opinions gathered from affected individuals.

In response to concerns that the Cabinet’s view from two years ago might be irrelevant in the current situation, Suchart said responsible panels could still add necessary comments gained from the public into the proposals.

“I think the old and the new comments could be out together,” Suchart said. “And the process will still allow further comments. The media can also help gather comments because these are to shape the national strategy. Any comments advantageous to the plan can always be added to it.”

The committee vetting the national strategy law will today hear the amendment of the motion by members of the NLA.

Nipon Narapitakkul, an NLA member who was among those seeking to amend the motion, said he would suggest that the national strategy committee also include the ministers of Interior, Agriculture and Digital Economy and Society as ex-officio members. He said the three ministers would be important in framing the strategy as security officers.

If the committee did not agree to his proposal, Nipon said he would propose it at the NLA meeting again.