On 15 January 2014 at 10:00 hrs., the meeting took place at the Royal Thai Air Force Convention Hall, presided over by PM and chaired by DPM Pongthep. Also present were DPM and FM Surapong, DPM Niwatthamrong, DPM Plodprasop, Minister attached to PM’s Office Varathep, Deputy Minister for Education Sermsak, Defense Permsec, Interior Permsec, leaders of 53 political parties registered to compete in the elections, senior civil servants and academics. The EC was represented by its SG, Mr. Puchong Nutrawong. Gist as follows:

1. Participants agreed that the Government and the EC do not have the power to postpone the general elections as there is no provision in the Constitution or any other laws that allow them to do so. Both are legally bound by the Royal Decree Dissolving the House of Representatives B.E. 2556 to hold the general elections on 2 February 2014 as scheduled.

2. Participants agreed that the PM cannot resign as caretaker, as the Constitution clearly states that the Cabinet must continue to discharge its duties as necessary until a new Government is sworn in.

3. The EC cited difficulties in its work, including registration of both party-list and constituency candidates, and shortage of volunteers to set up voting booths.

Participants noted that the EC was authorized, under Section 236 (4) of the Constitution, to order Government officials, officials or employees of state agencies, state enterprises and local government organizations to take all necessary actions to hold general elections. DPM/FM asked whether the EC had filed complaints against those who obstructed the candidate registration process.

The PM reaffirmed the Government’s readiness to assist the EC in holding general elections. Defense and Interior Permsecs expressed their readiness to assist the EC with personnel and resources as required. Defense Permsec said he had yet to receive a note from the EC requesting assistance.

4. Permsec of PM’s Office Thongtong briefed the meeting on the progress of reform proposals. Representatives of the 25 private sector organizations had tabled proposals for reforms to be implemented in tandem with the holding of general elections. A meeting will be held on 16 January 2014 to discuss the reform proposals in detail.