Chamlong said some NLA members are pushing for an amendment to the 30th announcement of Council for Democratic Reform to extend the term of the AEC, which is due to end on September 30.

Chamlong said his group wants to gather as many as 80 NLA members to push forward the proposal.

"The AEC has proven their commitment in bringing down corrupt officials. They work in a serious and straightforward manner. They should not stop working when the government's term ends," he said.

NLA member Sophon Supapong said he supported the move and had earlier proposed that Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont establish an effective anti-corruption mechanism - such as supporting the work of the AEC - on a permanent basis through passing an act.

As an alternative, the government should allow the public to launch its own investigation and bring people to court and finally put corrupt politicians and officials in jail.

"If there is such a mechanism, the country will see no coups," he said.

AEC spokesman Sak Korsaengruang said the AEC members have never discussed the extension of its term and he himself was not in the position to give a comment.

Bancha Khaengkhan

Budsarakham Sinlapalavan

The Nation