NLA deputy to head drafting team
National Legislative Assembly (NLA) deputy Speaker Charan Kullavanijaya has been put in charge of drafting procedures for the assembly's meetings.
Charan is a former secretary-general of the National Security Council. He ran unopposed for chair of the procedure committee. Panthep Phuwanartnurak withdrew at the last minute saying he wished to preserve unity within the committee.Charan was nominated by Tuanjai Deetes and Panthep by Prapan Koonme, who believed the deputy speaker would be too busy to handle both positions. The vote threatened to split the committee in a repeat of the election for speaker last Tuesday. Charan had the support of allies of Speaker Meechai Ruchuphan while Panthep was backed by Meechai's opponents. Panthep withdrew when precedents for deputy speakers as chairs of procedure committees were tabled. The committee elected Panthep as first deputy chairman and Sangsit Piriyarangsan as second. Prapan was chosen as spokesman and Wallop Tangkananurak as secretary. Core drafters Prapan, Wallop and Akapol Sorasuchart will prepare draft procedures emulating those established by the lower house and the Senate in 2001 and by a previous assembly in 1991.The trio would also make a recommendation if the NLA should form committees on security in the South and counter corruption. Draft procedures are expected to be complete in 15 days. Members of the public are encouraged to participate. Opinions can be submitted at existing parliamentary web-sites such as www.senate.go.th.
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