The Repeal of Selected National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) Announcements and Orders in Thailand

on
person signing in documentation paper

The Repeal of Selected National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) Announcements and Orders in Thailand

On 29 December 2025, the Royal Gazette published the Act on the Repeal of Certain Announcements of the National Council for Peace and Order, Orders of the National Council for Peace and Order, and Orders of the Head of the National Council for Peace and Order That Are No Longer Necessary and Inappropriate for the Present Circumstances, B.E. 2568 (2025). This legislation repeals 55 such instruments in total: 48 take effect immediately on 30 December 2025, while 7 are repealed subject to specific conditions or transitional measures aligned with the original provisions.

This act represents a significant effort to eliminate remnants of the military junta’s authority, known as the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO), which governed Thailand following the coup d’état on 22 May 2014.

Historical Context of the NCPO and Its Instruments:

The NCPO seized power in 2014, suspending the constitution and imposing martial law. During its rule until the 2019 elections, the junta issued hundreds of announcements and orders under absolute authority granted by Section 44 of the interim constitution. These instruments—comprising announcements by the NCPO, orders by the NCPO, and orders by its head—totaled over 500 and addressed political restrictions, administrative reforms, economic projects, security measures, and public order.

Many suppressed political activities, limited freedom of expression, and bypassed standard legislative processes, including environmental assessments and urban planning requirements for major projects. Although the NCPO dissolved in July 2019, Article 279 of the 2017 Constitution preserved the legal force of these instruments, requiring parliamentary action for repeal.

Previous partial repeals occurred in 2019 through NCPO Head Order No. 9/2562, which revoked approximately 61-87 instruments deemed to have achieved their objectives. Further limited repeals followed, but numerous orders persisted, prompting calls from civil society and political parties to address those infringing on rights or outdated.

Legislative Process Leading to the 2025 Repeal Act:

Efforts to repeal NCPO instruments gained momentum post-2019. In 2024-2025, multiple draft bills emerged from the Cabinet and opposition parties. The Cabinet initially proposed repealing 23 instruments in July 2024. Parliamentary committees, chaired by figures such as Chaturon Chaisang (Pheu Thai Party), consolidated these into broader legislation.

The House of Representatives approved the consolidated bill in July 2025, repealing up to 55 orders following debates on civil liberties, environmental safeguards, and administrative efficiency. The Senate endorsed it without opposition in September-October 2025. The final act, published on 29 December 2025, reflects this bipartisan consensus to align governance with democratic norms.

Scope and Impact of the Repeal:

The act targets instruments no longer necessary or incompatible with current conditions. The 48 fully repealed items include those restricting political expression, online monitoring, and certain security measures. The 7 conditionally repealed ones likely involve complex areas, such as urban planning exemptions for industrial projects or southern border administration, where transitional provisions prevent abrupt disruptions (e.g., potential lawsuits or policy gaps).

This repeal partially dismantles the NCPO’s legacy by restoring standard legal processes and enhancing civil liberties. However, some orders remain in force, particularly those integrated into permanent laws or requiring separate amendments. Ongoing reviews suggest potential future repeals.

In summary, this 2025 legislation marks a deliberate step toward normalizing Thailand’s legal framework, reducing the enduring influence of the 2014 coup-era junta while balancing continuity in governance. It underscores the role of parliamentary oversight in transitioning from authoritarian measures to democratic principles.

Author: Panisa Suwanmatajarn, Managing Partner.

Other Articles

Posted in

Tagged as