<p>The orders issued by the Thai coup-makers since the 2014 coup d’état will still be effective after national elections unless the newly elected administration successfully amends them. &nbsp; &nbsp;</p> <p>According&nbsp;<a href="http://news.voicetv.co.th/thailand/214298.html">Voice TV 21 News</a>, Visanu Krue-ngam, Deputy Prime Minister under Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha, the junta leader and Prime Minister, announced on Thursday that the orders of the junta’s National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) will not be terminated after the junta steps down in favour of an elected administration.</p>

<p>Thailand’s junta leader expressed reluctance to hold public referendum before passing the draft constitution, saying that it could cost billions of baht.</p> <p>According to&nbsp;<a href="http://www.prachachat.net/news_detail.php?newsid=1430994766">Prachachat News</a>, Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha, the junta leader and Prime Minister, on Thursday afternoon told the media that holding a public referendum on the draft constitution may cost the government three billion baht (about USD 89 million).</p>

<p>Deputy Prime Minister Visanu Krue-ngam says that only the cabinet and the junta have the authority to decide whether a public referendum on the draft constitution should be held.</p>

<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>