The Thai junta’s 20-year national strategy plan officially took effect on October 13 after it was published on the Royal Gazette. 

According to the Royal Gazette, King Vajiralongkorn signed an endorsement of the plan on October 8 and it was countersigned by Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha on the same day. 

The strategy plan was approved by the Thai Cabinet on June 5 and it was then passed by the National Legislative Assembly (NLA) on July 6. 

The strategy plan, highlighted in the Constitution, requires future governments set up in the 2018-2038 period adheres to the plan. Cabinet members could be impeached if they refuse to comply with it.

It covers six major contents, including national security, national competitiveness, human resources development, social equality, quality of life and environment, and development of state administrative system.

However, political parties and critics have protested the strategy plan, saying that it would overrule future elected governments and force them to carry out the junta’s legacy.