The National Council for Peace and Order has nothing to do with the alleged poaching of former MPs to join politcal parties set up to support Prime Minister Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha’s return to power, NCPO spokesman Maj Gen Piyapong Klinphan said on Friday.
Maj Gen Piyapong said the NCPO has kept a close watch on activities of all political parties and groupings and none of them is found to be violating the law and regulations in a way that could lead to a disturbance of peace and order in the country.
The country’s administration is running smoothly according to the road map toward an election in early 2019, he said.
Asked whether attempts by the so-called Sam Mitr Group (Three Allies) to poach former MPs of the Pheu Thai Party and members of the United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) is a violation of an NCPO order banning political activities, Maj Gen Piyapong said the group is free to conduct its activities as long as they are not against the law.
Once there is a law violation, the NCPO will issue a warning and tell the group to toe the line, he said.
Asked whether the NCPO has followed activities of some military officers alleged to have been involved in the poaching of former MPs, Maj Gen Piyapong said the military is a mechanism of the government and duty-bound to perform their duties as ordered by their superiors only.
“People in society and the social media are keeping a close watch on the military. It is necessary for all military personnel to be careful. It is unlikely for them to have been involved as they must abide by the law and be disciplined. Once they are found doing anything against the law, they will be subject to both disciplinary and legal actions,” said the NCPO spokesman.
