No political party has yet received an invitation, and some are wondering aloud whether the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) is attempting to copy their policy plans. They have said they would not want to attend such talks.

Maj-General Sansern Kaewkamnerd refuted the allegation yesterday.

He said Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha would like to share information with political parties about what the government had been doing and know what parties had to offer once the country returned to democratic rule to ensure peace and order.

The talks could be held in June or before that if the political parties prefer, the spokesman added.

Discussions between the government and political parties were still possible, he said, even though a constitutional review is underway for two organic bills necessary for the election to proceed – the MP election and Senate selection bills. The constitutional reviews could delay enforcement of the bills.

Sansern said that political parties must understand that some issues may not be settled by holding talks, including the plea for the junta to lift the ban on political activities.

Meanwhile, Varawut Silpa-archa, a leader of the Chart Thai Pattana Party, said yesterday the party had not received any such invitation. He said he had no idea which issues the government wanted to address.

Once those issues are clarified, Varawut said the party would discuss them and decide how to proceed.

“But now an election is expected,” said Varawut. “In order to return to normalcy, the election is the key. And what our party is working on right now is preparation for the election.”

Ongart Klampaiboon, a deputy leader of the Democrat Party, also told The Nation he was not sure what the government wanted to talk about. Hence, the party had not decided whether or not to join the talks, he said.

The orders are directives No 57/2557 and 3/2558, which imposed a ban on political activities, along with a recent addition to order No 53/2560 which allowed parties to perform some administrative operations while maintaining the ban.

The junta had previously promised that it would lift the political ban after the organic laws essential for the election came into effect, tentatively in June. However, the NCPO-appointed legislature on Tuesday sent the MP election bill – one of the key organic laws that must be in place prior to the election – to the Constitutional Court for a legality check.

The move undeniably would delay enforcement of the laws and consequently prolong the political ban, despite the fast-approaching election. Parties needed time to deal with their internal affairs as well as canvass voters, said Pheu Thai.

Pheu Thai slammed the NCPO as being both negligent and exercising its absolute power arbitrarily. They said the junta orders were inconsistent.

For instance, one order stipulated that parties could only convene after the political ban was lift. And yet, the junta has refused to remove the ban, said the party.

The real purpose of the orders continuing, they charged, was to handicap the established parties while giving an advantage to newly formed parties that have, suspiciously in the perspective of Pheu Thai, announced they would back junta leader Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-o-cha continuing as an outsider PM after the election.

The junta must revoke all these orders, Pheu Thai insisted, and parties must instead be governed by the organic law on political parties.

The party’s leaders also called on the NCPO to stop using its absolute power under Article 44 and respect citizens’ rights and freedom as well as the new Constitution now that the election was approaching.

Chaturon Chaisang, a key member of the party, said that NCPO leader Prayut may have an ambition to return to power. But he should stop sabotaging the political system, Chaturon said.

THANATHORN Juangroong-ruangkit, the co-founder of the closely watched Future Forward Party, on Wednesday stated emphatically that he had no intention to push for amendment of the controversial lese majeste law.

He made his remarks at the “Move Over Dinosaurs – A Panel Discussion with Young Thai Politicians” event hosted by the Foreign Correspondents’ Club of Thailand on Wednesday.

“I personally have no intention to propose any amendment to Article 112,” Thanathorn said, without elaborating, in response to a question about his opinion on laws that violated freedom of speech.

Thanathorn has made waves in recent weeks since launching the progressive Future Forward Party, but his statement on Article 112 drew a mixture of surprise and disappointment from the audience at the forum.

This was the first time he had made clear his stance on the controversial lese majeste law.

A group of academics and activists, including Future Forward Party co-founder Piyabutr Saengkanokkul, have campaigned for an amendment to Article 112 of the Penal Code as the draconian law has been widely abused by political groups, notably conservatives against their rivals in the past few years. Piyabutr had stated earlier that he too had no intention to push his views on the party’s agenda.

Thanathorn has been the target of criticism of conservatives for supposed involvement with the alleged anti-monarchy movement.

The new-blood politician, however, denied having been part of such a movement.

Although he financed a social science journal Fa Diaw Kan (Same Sky), deemed critical of the monarchy, Thanathorn refuted the allegation. He reasoned that if the journal had really committed lese majeste, it would have been shut down. The publishing house continues to be in operation even today, he explained.

Thanathorn’s announcement of his stance on Article 112 was expected to cost him some pro-right supporters, but some critics believe it will also give clarity about his positions as he takes the political plunge.

The pro-democracy Thanathorn said at the panel discussion that he would propose amendments to some other laws, including the Computer Crimes Act which, he said, was notoriously against free speech.

“These laws give power to the military to access our private communication,” he said.

The panel discussion was also joined by other young politicians – Parit Wacharasindhu from Democrat Party, Varawut Silpa-archa from Chart Thai Pattana Party, and Preechapol Pongpanit from Pheu Thai Party.

Parit and Preechapol both made clear they would not support the junta’s return to power after the election, and in particular they would not support an outside PM.

Varawut, meanwhile, was vague in his stance.

Although he said Chart Thai Pattana would have its own PM candidate, he said in the second round an outside PM could still come in. There was nothing anyone could do, he said.

HUNDREDS OF Pheu Thai politicians yesterday confirmed their party membership, with one notable exception: Khunying Sudarat Keyuraphan, a key figure in the previous ruling party and its likely future leader, failed to sign up.

Sudarat appeared at the party’s headquarters in the afternoon, hours after the membership confirmation began.

She said that she had applied to become a Pheu Thai member in 2013 but that due to a registration mistake, her name was not in the party’s membership system. “Whenever the party resumes accepting new members, I will apply,” she added.

Although she is officially not a party member, Sudarat has been mingling with Pheu Thai politicians and has appeared at the party’s head office on many occasions. She was a key figure in the now-defunct Thai Rak Thai Party, which was then led by Pheu Thai’s patriarch, Thaksin Shinawatra.

Thaksin reportedly favours Sudarat to become the next Pheu Thai leader although she is opposed by various party factions, reportedly including one led by Thaksin’s sister Yaowapa Wongsawat.

Sudarat said yesterday that she did not volunteer to become a candidate to contest for the party’s leadership, adding that the current leader, Wirode Pao-in, is already doing a good job. “I have never said that I want to become the party leader. The question is whether I want to. I am just a small person who is doing her duty for the organisation,” she said.

When asked if she actually wanted to become the party leader, Sudarat said: “I don’t think anyone wants to.”

Yaowapa’s husband Somchai Wongsawat, another key Pheu Thai figure, was among the party’s former MPs and politicians who confirmed their membership yesterday.

But Yaowapa did not show up to confirm membership at the party’s HQ yesterday. Somchai, a former prime minister, said it was because his wife opted to wash her hands of politics. He said he did not know the reason, adding that reporters had to ask Yaowapa themselves.

Somchai has been regarded as another strong candidate to become the next party leader due to his strong connections with the Shinawatra family.

When asked if he would lead the party, Somchai responded: “I don’t have much thought about that. Everything has its process. I am just a party member.”

More than 500 Pheu Thai’s former MPs, former Cabinet members and former election candidates showed up at the party’s HQ yesterday to confirm their party memberships. They each paid a lifetime membership fee of Bt2,000 to establish a party fund required by the new Political Parties Act. Altogether, more than Bt1 million was collected.

At the Chart Thai Pattana Party’s HQ, more than 30 former MPs and politicians confirmed their membership yesterday.

All of them paid a lifetime membership fee of Bt2,000.

He said the directive “may be amended on certain issues” in order to help get rid of “administrative problems” raised by various existing and new parties.

Prayut, in his capacity as head of the National Council for Peace and Order, issued NCPO Order No 53/2560 last December. The directive allows certain political activities required by the new Political Party Act, while maintaining the junta ban on most other political activities.

It permits political parties to manage the confirmation of current party members, collect membership fees and find new members. But party meetings still require permission from the NCPO.

Prayut said his government and the NCPO would determine what amendments would be made to the directive. He noted that the Council of State, which is the government’s legal advisory agency, yesterday discussed the matter with the Election Commission and the Constitution Drafting Commission (CDC). These bodies would later suggest to the NCPO how to amend the original order.

“Most of the restrictive points involve administrative matters. The government and the NCPO will see how the issues can be fixed,” Prayut said.

Meanwhile, CDC chairman Meechai Ruchuphan yesterday said he was unsure whether the NCPO directive could be amended at this time, now that the Ombudsman’s Office had sought a Constitutional Court verdict as to whether the order violated the rights of political parties.

The country’s major political parties, Democrat and Pheu Thai, requested earlier this year that the Ombudsman’s Office refer their petition to the court, but the court did so just last week.

“I can’t give you a clear answer if an amendment can be made” to the NCPO order, Meechai told reporters.

He said he did not know if the “problematic” issues mentioned in the petition were the same as the ones targeted for amendments. “If they are different, I think we may go ahead [with an amendment],” Meechai added.

Also yesterday, Prayut said former government leaders Thaksin and Yingluck Shinawatra should feel ashamed for appearing in public even though they are lawbreakers.

Prayut said he did not feel embarrassed after Thaksin and Yingluck travelled to Japan and stayed there for a few days last week. He said that Thai authorities had taken all the necessary legal measures regarding the siblings.

The Shinawatras are wanted by Thai authorities for separate alleged wrongdoings. They have lived in self-exile overseas after fleeing the country – Thaksin in 2008 and Yingluck last year. They have appeared together in several Asian countries over recent months.

“We cannot enforce our country’s laws overseas. If foreign countries do not send them back [for prosecution in Thailand], that’s it. Do you get it?” Prayut told reporters at Government House yesterday.

“I don’t have any feeling about them. They should have been ashamed. They broke the law and they still dare to go out,” he said.

When serving as the Army chief, Prayut led a coup in May 2014 that overthrew a government led by Yingluck’s caretaker successor. Yingluck had been removed from the PM’s seat a few months earlier by a court order after she was found to be guilty of abusing her power by moving the National Security Council secretary-general at that time.

Prayut also hit back at Democrat leader Abhisit Vejjajiva yesterday for stating that his party did not welcome politicians who support the junta chief returning as an unelected government head after the next election.

“He should have been more careful with his words. Did he care for mutual respect? If I get angry and say something bad, the persons involved will suffer,” Prayut said.

“Let’s wait until after the election. How will his position change? Let’s see what will happen, and ask him again at that time,” he told reporters.

On Monday, Abhisit said politicians who back Prayut’s return as outsider prime minister need not consider joining the Democrat Party. “There are plenty of other choices for them,” he said, referring to new political parties being set up with a main goal of supporting the junta chief’s longer stay in power.

Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-o-cha welcomed them to his office as part of the Culture Ministry’s scheme to promote the production of “patriarchic” movies and dramas. These productions should promote Thailand’s three traditional key elements : the country, religion and the monarchy.

“BuppeSanNivas” is set during the reign of King Narai of the Ayutthaya Kingdom, which was three centuries before the Kingdom adopted the concept of the nation-state that now constitutes Thailand.

However, mainstream history recognises Ayutthaya as an historical form of Thailand. This is seeded in Thai classrooms for future generations and is part of the general awareness of the Thai people.

Hundreds of period films have been produced, while the Ayutthaya kings remain popular and are even worshipped.

Prayut went with the flow, calling “BuppeSanNivas” part of the Thai Niyom scheme hyped by his government to promote “Thainess” in all sectors.

Yesterday, a call was made under Prayut’s nickname, “Sai Trong Loong Tu”, as part of the Thai Niyom scheme to encourage people to pose their queries to the government.

While the government and the junta has already opened channels for the filing of questions, Sai Trong Loong Tu will be more engaging by using online and mobile platforms. Its nickname also gives the impression that these matters will eventually fall into Prayut’s hands.

Whether it was part of Thai Niyom or not, Prayut jokingly said that the second-lead actor, Parama Imanothai, would be beheaded if he wanted an election to be held soon.

“Tell me, which one of ‘or chao’ wants a faster election?” Prayut asked, calling the stars by Thai archaic form of “you”.

Nationwide heratthrob Tanawat Wattanaputi quickly threw his hero image away as he immediately pointed at Parama.

“I can wait, sir. I understand it has to follow the road map,” Parama quickly replied before asking to take a selfie with Prayut and asking him for a pardon.

Instead, Prayut ordered him to be lashed 10 times.

Time appeared to be frozen as everyone at Government House, from civil servants to reporters and fans flocked to get the best glimpse of their favourite stars.

They giggled and beamed as they walked around Government House in fancy traditional costumes.

Actress Ranee Campen looked sweet in her soft pink sabai while Kannarun Wongkhajonklai melted hearts simply with her smile.

He said the directive “may be amended on certain issues” in order to help get rid of “administrative problems” raised by various existing and new parties.

Prayut, in his capacity as head of the National Council for Peace and Order, issued NCPO Order No 53/2560 last December. The directive allows certain political activities required by the new Political Party Act, while maintaining the junta ban on most other political activities.

It permits political parties to manage the confirmation of current party members, collect membership fees and find new members. But party meetings still require permission from the NCPO.

Prayut said his government and the NCPO would determine what amendments would be made to the directive. He noted that the Council of State, which is the government’s legal advisory agency, yesterday discussed the matter with the Election Commission and the Constitution Drafting Commission (CDC). These bodies would later suggest to the NCPO how to amend the original order.

“Most of the restrictive points involve administrative matters. The government and the NCPO will see how the issues can be fixed,” Prayut said.

Meanwhile, CDC chairman Meechai Ruchuphan yesterday said he was unsure whether the NCPO directive could be amended at this time, now that the Ombudsman’s Office had sought a Constitutional Court verdict as to whether the order violated the rights of political parties.

The country’s major political parties, Democrat and Pheu Thai, requested earlier this year that the Ombudsman’s Office refer their petition to the court, but the court did so just last week.

“I can’t give you a clear answer if an amendment can be made” to the NCPO order, Meechai told reporters.

He said he did not know if the “problematic” issues mentioned in the petition were the same as the ones targeted for amendments. “If they are different, I think we may go ahead [with an amendment],” Meechai added.

Also yesterday, Prayut said former government leaders Thaksin and Yingluck Shinawatra should feel ashamed for appearing in public even though they are lawbreakers.

Prayut said he did not feel embarrassed after Thaksin and Yingluck travelled to Japan and stayed there for a few days last week. He said that Thai authorities had taken all the necessary legal measures regarding the siblings.

The Shinawatras are wanted by Thai authorities for separate alleged wrongdoings. They have lived in self-exile overseas after fleeing the country – Thaksin in 2008 and Yingluck last year. They have appeared together in several Asian countries over recent months.

“We cannot enforce our country’s laws overseas. If foreign countries do not send them back [for prosecution in Thailand], that’s it. Do you get it?” Prayut told reporters at Government House yesterday.

“I don’t have any feeling about them. They should have been ashamed. They broke the law and they still dare to go out,” he said.

When serving as the Army chief, Prayut led a coup in May 2014 that overthrew a government led by Yingluck’s caretaker successor. Yingluck had been removed from the PM’s seat a few months earlier by a court order after she was found to be guilty of abusing her power by moving the National Security Council secretary-general at that time.

Prayut also hit back at Democrat leader Abhisit Vejjajiva yesterday for stating that his party did not welcome politicians who support the junta chief returning as an unelected government head after the next election.

“He should have been more careful with his words. Did he care for mutual respect? If I get angry and say something bad, the persons involved will suffer,” Prayut said.

“Let’s wait until after the election. How will his position change? Let’s see what will happen, and ask him again at that time,” he told reporters.

On Monday, Abhisit said politicians who back Prayut’s return as outsider prime minister need not consider joining the Democrat Party. “There are plenty of other choices for them,” he said, referring to new political parties being set up with a main goal of supporting the junta chief’s longer stay in power.

Military service is compulsory for all Thai men aged 20 and above who did not already take Reserve Officer Training during high school.

Parit, 26, who went to high school in England, had three options: to draw lots, to postpone his military service, or to apply voluntarily to be a draftee.

He decided to take the last option.

His voluntary enrolment also means he will only be trained for six months, while those taking the option to draw lots have to do two years of service.

After his training is completed later this year, Parit would be able to run in the general election currently set for February next year if he chose to do so.

The military draft was always a weak point for Parit’s uncle, ex-PM Abhisit, who was often attacked for his allegedly deliberate avoidance of the draft, with calls that this should have disqualified him from being prime minister.

It has been suggested that Parit may have enrolled in the Army to ensure he would not have to go through the same scandal as his uncle, after recently having been highlighted as a “new blood” of the Democrat Party.

Prayut said he did not feel embarrassed after Thaksin and Yingluck travelled to Japan and stayed there for a few days last week. He said that authorities had taken all the legal measures regarding the siblings.

The Shinawatras are both wanted by Thai authorities for separate alleged wrongdoings. They have lived in self-exile overseas after fleeing the country – Thaksin in 2008 and Yingluck last year. They have appeared together in several Asian countries over recent months.

“We cannot enforce our country’s laws overseas. If foreign countries do not send them back [for prosecution in Thailand], that’s it. Do you get it?” Prayut told reporters at Government House on Tuesday.

“I don’t have any feeling about them. They should have been ashamed. They broke the law and they still dare to go out,” the prime minister said.

When serving as the Army chief, Prayut led a coup in May 2014 that overthrew a government led by Yingluck’s caretaker successor. Yingluck had been removed from the PM’s seat a few months earlier by a court order after she was found to be guilty of abusing her power by moving the National Security Council secretary-general at that time.

He said the directive “may be amended on certain issues” in order to help get rid of “administrative problems” raised by the various existing and new parties.

Prayut, in his capacity as head of the National Council for Peace and Order, issued NCPO Order No 53/2560 last December. The directive allows certain political activities required by the new Political Party Act, while maintaining the junta ban on most other political activities.

It permits political parties to manage the confirmation of current party members, collect membership fees and find new members. But party meetings still require permission from the NCPO.

Prayut said his government and the NCPO would determine what amendments would be made to the directive. He noted that the Council of State, which is the government’s legal advisory agency, on Tuesday discussed the matter with the Election Commission and the Constitution Drafting Commission. These bodies would later suggest to the NCPO how to amend the original order.

“Most of the restrictive points involve administrative matters. The government and the NCPO will see how the issues can be fixed,” Prayut said