The retention of Section 44 powers and junta announcements gives the impression of a two-constitution state, according to participants at a Chulalongkorn University forum. Deputy Prime Minister Wissanu Krea-ngam said Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha has promised these powers will only be exercised when necessary and that their application will not undermine the justice system. It will be reserved for implementing urgent measures quickly and won't be used frivolously, according to the premier. As such, invoking it now that a new, referendum-backed constitution is in place could cause confusion, according to some critics. Moreover, it should lift the ban on political parties as politicians need time to prepare for the next election, he said.

Source: Bangkok Post April 10, 2017 22:18 UTC