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Army tightens grip in Thailand

July 31, 2014

The Thai military junta has released the names of those approved by the country's monarch to serve on a new legislative body. More than half of those on the list were past and present members of the armed forces.

https://p.dw.com/p/1Cn7I
Thai Army chief General Prayuth Chan-ocha talks during a news conference at Army Headquarters in Bangkok May 26, 2014. Thai coup leader General Prayuth Chan-ocha will receive the endorsement of King Bhumibol Adulyadej on Monday as head of a ruling military council, and the general will then give his first address to the nation since seizing power last week. REUTERS/Damir Sagolj
Image: Reuters

Just over 100 active or retired military officers were on the list of approved members of Thailand's 200-seat National Legislative Assembly.

The names, put forward by the country's National Council for Peace and Order - effectively the ruling junta - were approved by Thailand's King Bhumibol Adulyadej, according to an official document published late on Thursday.

The royal gazette said the assembly would meet for the first time next week, when it will be charged with the task of selecting a new prime minister.

"His majesty has endorsed a decree to convene the national assembly on 7 August," said the document, which was published online.

The new interim legislature will include 105 people with military ranks and 11 from the police. The 84 members who are civilians include academics, business people and former senators.

Earlier this month, the NCPO said it would remain in place alongside the interim government, to assist in maintaining national security.

Army chief Prayut Chan-O-Cha has ruled out the possibility of full free elections being held in Thailand until at least October 2015, ignoring calls from Western countries for the country's democratic system to be put back in place.

The Thai military took power on May 22 after a period of prolonged political conflict, demonstrations and street violence. The country has been deeply divided since the toppling by military coup of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra - accused of corruption, abuse of power and disrespect for the king - in 2006.

Thaksin's sister Yingluck - considered by some to be a puppet of her brother - was removed from office of prime minister on abuse of power charges immediately before the military seized power.

In July, Thailand adopted a constitution that legitimized the May coup and granted sweeping powers that paved the way for junta leader Prayuth to become prime minister.

rc/dr (AFP, AP, dpa, Reuters)