Gen Prayut had cited the large number of bills to be deliberated as the reason for the increase. The junta appointed 200 NLA members after the coup in May 2014. Twelve subsequently resigned and 31 more were added. After that, two died, leaving 217 before the latest appointments took the total to 250. Of the 28 new members holding a rank, most are officers promoted to key positions in the latest military shuffle. Among them are Gen Somsak Nilbunjerdkul, assistant army chief; ACM Sutthipong Inseewong, assistant.