Applications for NRC exceed target

BANGKOK, August 30 (TNA) - Nationwide candidates applying for seats at Thailand's National Reform Council (NRC) now stand at 4,346, exceeding 3,000 persons projected earlier by the Election Commission of Thailand (EC). Over 30 candidates submitted their applications for NRC members on Saturday (Aug 30) morning alone, the 17th day of the application period, which ends on September 2, 2014. Selected NRC members will be then responsible for reforming 11 areas in the country. So far, reforming education has been most attractive by applicants, now standing at 361 persons, followed by social affairs at 321 applicants, while the mass communications area has been least interested as only 100 persons have applied for it. After the closure of the application next Tuesday (Sep 2), the EC will forward all the candidacy names to 11 selecting committees so that they will consider and nominate qualified persons in their respective areas. Afterwards, the army-led National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) will choose a maximum of 250 persons to be NRC members and their names will be sent for an approval by His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej in a royal command. The entire procedure is expected to be completed within 50 days. (TNA)