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The chairman of the junta’s Constitution Drafting Committee (CDC) has dismissed nepotism accusations after the appointment of his daughter as his deputy secretary raised many eyebrows.   

On 30 October 2017, the Royal Gazette published National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) Order No. 6/2017 on the re-appointment of 34 officials working for the NCPO.

One is Mayura Shuangshoti, daughter of Meechai Ruchuphan, chairman of the Constitution Drafting Committee (CDC), as a deputy secretary to her father.

According to NCPO Announcement No. 93/2014, the income for her position is 47,500 baht per month. She has been serving as Meechai’s deputy secretary since 2014.

Many people have accused Meechai of nepotism over the appointment. But Meechai said that his daughter is suitable for the job.

The CDC chairman said that it was necessary to have a person who is reliable and could keep ‘confidential information’, adding that the position is temporary and he did not have any government official to help him.

There is no law that prevents politicians from appointing their family members to work for them, said Meechai.

 Meechai Ruchuphan (file photo)

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