On December 10, Pheu Thai Party MP Prayuth Siriphanich announced his intention to propose the withdrawal of the Defense Ministry Reorganization Bill, which allows the Cabinet (Cabinet) to appoint senior military officials. This follows significant public opposition during consultations under Section 77 of the Constitution. Prayuth plans to raise the issue during a party meeting on December 12, seeking permission to withdraw the bill from the House of Representatives for revision.
Prayuth emphasized that the bill, which he submitted personally and not on behalf of the Pheu Thai Party, is not intended to interfere with the military but to prevent potential coups. The proposed process mandates that senior military appointments be approved by the relevant committees within the Defense Ministry before reaching the Cabinet for final approval. Additionally, the bill grants the Prime Minister, with Cabinet approval, the authority to temporarily suspend military officers acting outside constitutional duties to prevent coups—a measure Prayuth compared to anti-coup policies in South Korea.
Despite these explanations, Prayuth acknowledged the widespread criticism, stating that revisions would address public concerns. The consultation period under Section 77 will conclude on January 1, 2025, after which amendments will be drafted based on public feedback.