<div> <div>The junta’s lawmakers have proposed a law which will allow authorities to tap the phones of politicians suspected of corruption.&nbsp;</div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div>On 19 December 2017, Meechai Ruchupan, chairperson of the junta-appointed Constitution Drafting Committee (CDC), expressed concern that the junta’s National Legislative Assembly (NLA) is proposing to grant the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) power to track the communication devices of people holding political positions.&nbsp;</div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div>The CDC chairman is worried that the proposal would give too m </div></div>

<div> <div>After the Criminal Court handed a five year jail term against Yingluck, the junta issued an organic law that forces her to appeal the case in person. Meanwhile, the junta’s National Strategic Plan has faced the ‘strongest’ rejection.&nbsp;</div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div>Last week, the prosecution against Yingluck over the Rice Pledging Scheme (RPS) came to an end after the Supreme Court’s Criminal Division for Persons Holding Political Positions read its verdict on 27 September.&nbsp;</div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div>The court gave Yingluck five years in prison without suspension. </div></div>

<div> <div>Thailand’s junta has shown itself unwilling to reconsider the inclusion of capital punishment in its Organic Act on Political Parties. </div></div>

<p dir="ltr">Thanks in part to the prospect of a return to elections, the junta-sponsored draft constitution has been approved by a majority vote via the controversial referendum. The attached question of whether an unelected-senate should be allowed to join the house of representatives in selecting the Prime Minister was also approved.</p>

<div> <div>The Chair of the Constitution Drafting Committee said the first general election under the junta-backed constitution, recently passed by referendum, might be held in early 2018 despite the junta’s strong promise that elections would at all costs be held in 2017. &nbsp;</div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div><span>On Sunday, 7 August 2016, after the “Yes Vote” claimed a clear victory in the referendum, Meechai Ruchupan, Chair of Constitution Drafting Committee, told the media that the first general election under the new constitution was expected to be held in late 2017. </span></div></div>

<p>Foreign countries are expressing quiet concern over Thai plans to outlaw surrogate democracy.&nbsp; While readily acknowledging Thailand’s right to enact legislation to protect its own body politic, they are urging a transitional approach.&nbsp;</p> <p>A number of foreign governments are thought to have invested heavily in ongoing surrogate democracy programmes in Thailand which, due to the normal course of events, will take time to mature.&nbsp; A sudden clampdown will put their investments at risk.</p>

<p><a href="http://www.matichon.co.th/news_detail.php?newsid=1285774283&amp;grpid=03&amp;catid">Matichon Online</a>, September 29, 2010 - Website <a href="http://www.meechaithailand.com/index1.html">MeechaiThailand.com </a>owned by Meechai Ruchupan, former President of the Senate, veteran government legal advisor, and former President of the Council of the State, answers a law-related question on l&egrave;se majest&eacute; from Kraiwan Kasemsin.</p>