The source said the department is in the process of proposing a remuneration package for the NSC and AEC members to the Cabinet. The NCS chief will receive a package at the same rate as the premier's.

"The NSC chairman will receive in total Bt120,000, while other members will receive [remuneration] equal to a Cabinet minister's at Bt110,000," he said.

AEC members will receive a salary and remuneration equal to members of the National Counter Corruption Commission at Bt108,000.

Suriyasai Katasila, secretary-general of the Campaign for Popular Democracy, said he disagreed with the idea, because the NSC was formed as a result of the coup which tore up the constitution - making it unsuitable to pay any remuneration to them. 

However, academics agreed with the Finance Ministry, saying the NSC has a right to receive payment because it is a government agency.

Somjai Phagaphasvivat, a political lecturer from Thammasat University, said that in principle, the NSC is a government body - even though it arose from the coup. The NSC was formed to carry out reconciliation while waiting for the new constitution, so its members should be paid, Somjai said. "We should give the NSC a chance to prove whether they can handle their responsibilities or not before criticising them."

Piyanart Srivalo

Sucheera Pinijparakarn

The Nation