THAILAND: Bill to lift ban on gatherings going to NLA

Cabinet will propose to NLA to revoke CDR's ban on political gatherings of more than five people

Bangkok Post
Wednesday, November 1, 2006

By Pradit Ruangdit

The cabinet will propose to the National Legislative Assembly (NLA) next week a bill to revoke the Council for Democratic Reform's (CDR) seventh announcement banning political gatherings of more than five people, Deputy Prime Minister Pridiyathorn Devakula said yesterday. M.R. Pridiyathorn said the cabinet had earlier agreed in principle on the plan to lift the political gathering ban, imposed by the Sept 19 coup-makers, then calling itself the CDR, but now known as the Council for National Security (CNS).

Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont already approved the bill on Saturday. The cabinet expects the bill to be proposed to the NLA by the end of the next week, M.R. Pridiyathorn said.

He added that without the CDR announcement, the government can continue to enforce martial law, which is still in place, and the criminal code to ensure peace and security in the country.

The cabinet yesterday also approved the regulation governing the recruitment of 115 professional representatives under the quota in the 2,000-member National People's Assembly (NPA).

Apart from the 115 members chosen by the cabinet, there will be 767 representatives from the economic and social sector, 318 from state agencies, 227 from local political and administrative bodies and 16 from independent agencies.

Date Posted: 11/1/2006

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