Thailand passes bill to extend military’s authority for 20 years beyond elections

Thailand’s military-installed parliament on Thursday passed a bill that allows the ruling junta to continue to impose its policies after it holds elections and officially relinquishes power.

The National Legislative Assembly voted 281-0 in favour of the legislation, which calls for establishment of a national strategy committee to oversee the long-term plans of governments over the next two decades.

The committee’s primary task is to set new goals every five years, with the proclaimed intent of facilitating social, political and economic development, which the military claims have been hindered by politicians in elected governments.

Government spokesman Weerachon Sukhondhapatipak said in March that reforming Thailand requires a long-term 20-year strategy to address issues such as corruption and the economy because previous governments were unsuccessful in tackling them.

The military has held power since overthrowing an elected government in May 2014. It has said elections will be held next year. The date is considered tentative, since several previous promised dates have come and gone.