Major political powers in Thailand continue to clash as new election law changes draw controversy

BANGKOK (Kyodo) — Thailand’s coup makers led by army chief Gen. Prayut Chan-Ocha on Saturday announced the stoppage of the country’s Senate, transferring administrative and legislative powers to the army chief. In the announcement, the coup makers explained that the Senate was dissolved to benefit the country’s administration. As the lower house of parliament has already been dissolved, the country no longer has a parliamentary function. Prayut earlier said the newly established National Council for Peace and Order planned to set up a legislative council and a reform council. However, the country’s independent agencies will continue to function.