The key difference between the coup in 2006 and this one, is that the “leader” of the coup will maintain control until elections. In 2006 the military had passed on power to Surayud and others and thus were perhaps unable to push through every reform and agenda that they had. This time around Prayuth, things have been properly planned, that once Prayuth steps down as the leader of the military in September, he’ll become PM in October for 12 months.

From a personal viewpoint, I don’t like the ideas of a coup, taking power away from people, but I wouldn’t mind it if the military stays around for another 2-3 years IF they actually clean up the corruption that has become too embedded across all government agencies in Thailand.

The military will choose a 220-member legislature, which will pick a prime minister and 35-strong cabinet, according to a statement in the Royal Gazette. General Prayuth Chan-Ocha, leader of the National Council for Peace and Order, received the endorsed charter from King Bhumibol Adulyadej yesterday.

Source: Bloomberg