BANGKOK. Aug 7 Public opposition has prompted a constitution drafting panel to drop a provision that would let the military keep dictatorial powers until after the next election, reports AP.

Adul Vlchlencharoen.

Constitution Drafting Committee. said Tuesday that

drop the provision. Article 27.

He said the drafters Initially felt the provision should be retained to give the military the authority to deal with threats to national security and public order. But he said that after debating the issue Monday, they now feel the military has wUhout^Articte 27.

Khien Theeravlt. a profes aor of political science at Chuiaongfeorn University. said of the committee members *1 think this demonstrates that

they are willing to listen to criticism as well on some other points, too. and willing to accommodate public criti-clsm."

The military seized poster Feb. 23 tn a bloodless coup that toppled the elected government of Prime Minister Chatlchal Choonhavan. The ruling Junta, calling Itself the National Peace-Keeping Council, abolished the const! -

The generals appointed an interim government of mainly civilian technocrats, led by Prime Minister Anand Panyarachun. and said it would hold elections by early next year They also announced an interim constitution that, through Article 27. gave them dictatortai powers, and named a committee to draw up a