Thailand's NRC members report to NLA

BANGKOK, October 8 (TNA) - Members of Thailand's National Reform Council (NRC), endorsed by His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej earlier this week, have begun reporting themselves to the National Legislative Assembly (NLA). Secretary-General to the House of Representatives Charae Panpruang told journalists on Wednesday that he expects the first meeting of NRC members should be held on October 21, when the members would select the NRC chairman and vice chairman. Charae said that 15 days after the NRC first meeting, a constitution drafting committee is expected to be formed, in which outsiders are allowed to join. Chai-anan Samudavanija, considered one of most potential candidates to be voted as the NRC chairman, opined that he is prepared to work in the position if nominated by fellow NRC members. Chai-anan pointed out that it would be difficult to complete the task on domestic political reform within one year, but guidelines for national reform could be completed. Alongkorn Ponlaboot, a deputy leader of the Democrat Party, pledged that he would use his political experiences to persuade every political party to participate in the national reform, a major goal of the army-led National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO). Alongkorn also agreed that a period of one year may not be enough for NRC members to furnish national reform, but blueprint should be made for Thailand's next elected government to finish the entire task. The NRC has appointed a total of 250 NRC members to work out national reform in 11 areas. Deputy Prime Minister Yongyuth Yuthawong earlier told reporters that the NRC will plan corruption reduction, educational reform and justice promotion, while also forming a constitution drafting assembly, with its work to take shape within six months in order to bring the country back to the normal situation. (TNA)