Thailand's lawmakers approve draft post-coup charter

BANGKOK: -- The Constitution Drafting Assembly (CDA) unanimously approved Thailand's draft post-coup constitution on Friday amid protests of anti-coup demonstrators outside the Parliament.

The 100-member council voted unanimously in favour of the new draft charter with two members absent. The CDA also agreed to set a national referendum on it on August 19.

Paves the way for a general election

The move paves the way for a general election which has tentatively been scheduled before the end of this year.

Prior to the crucial vote, the Democratic Alliance Against Dictatorship (DAAD), a loose coalition led by key supporters of former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, gathered outside Parliament, protesting the draft charter which they branded as undemocratic in contrast to the 1997 charter which was billed as the nation's most democratic constitution.

They also urged the public to vote against it in next month's referendum.

Under the draft charter, the premier would be limited to eight years in office and the prime minister, as well as any spouse or children would be barred from holding major stakes in private companies.

The military staged a bloodless coup last September ousting prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra and abolished the 1997 Constitution -- the so-called People's Constitution, accusing Mr. Thaksin of exploiting loopholes in the charter to abuse power, interfering in independent agencies and massive corruption.

The Council for National Security, a renamed military coup-makers, urged the public to vote in favour of the new charter which they said will improve the checks-and-balances mechanism, setting a limit to the executive branch's overwhelming power and making it easier to launch impeachment proceedings.

--TNA 2007-07-06

Thailand Approves Draft Constitution for Referendum

BANGKOK: -- Thailand's junta-appointed constitutional assembly today approved the country's new draft charter, which will face a national referendum Aug. 19 designed to allow elections before the end of this year.

The draft constitution limits a prime minister to two terms and no more than eight years in power, and makes it easier for opposition parties to censure the premier. The early referendum, originally planned for Sept. 3, may make it possible to speed up planned elections, Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont said June 18.

Military leaders who seized power from former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra in a Sept. 19 coup, and the interim government they installed, are under pressure to restore democracy before the end of 2007 to lessen political uncertainty that has slowed economic growth and damaged consumer and investor confidence.

``We are now looking to the public referendum as it will be another critical point for Thai politics,'' said Nasu Chunsom, head of equity investments at Ayudhya JF Asset Management Ltd., which oversees $1.2 billion in Bangkok.

Chairman Noranit Setabutr said 98 of the 100-member assembly supported the draft, in a vote that was broadcast live on state-owned Channel 11. Two members were absent and their votes not recorded, Noranit said.

Indefinite Delay?

If the draft constitution is rejected by a referendum, the junta can temporarily impose one of Thailand's past constitutions until a new version is accepted, which could delay elections indefinitely.

``We are a bit cautious. If the constitution is not passed, there may be a drawback and the election may not come through in November or December,'' said Asoke Wongcha-um, senior executive vice president at Kasikorn Asset Management Ltd., which oversees the equivalent of $7 billion of assets.

A general election could be held as early as Nov. 25, Election Commission Chairman Apichart Sukhakkhanont said last month. Elections were originally slated for Dec. 16 or Dec. 23.

``I still believe Thai people will cooperate and let the draft pass to restore democracy in Thailand as soon as possible,'' said Ayudhya's Nasu.

Thaksin, who has remained in exile since the coup, and his ousted Thai Rak Thai party, can't contest the election after a junta-appointed court in May dissolved the party -- the first to run Thailand without coalition parties and to be re-elected -- and banned 111 of its members from running for office for five years. Several smaller parties were also dissolved for election misconduct.

--Bloomberg 2007-07-06

If the draft constitution is rejected by a referendum, the junta can temporarily impose one of Thailand's past constitutions until a new version is accepted, which could delay elections indefinitely.

--Bloomberg 2007-07-06

The junta holds all the cards. It arm-twisted the new draft into a something that suits them. But even if the referendum fails (which I think it will) they announce they will casually pick a previous draft and tweak it to please themselves. Most importantly for them; to absolve them of repercussions for staging the coup. I agree with prolific letter-writer Burin that the current constitution imbroglio blows an ill wind for the Thai people.

I'm not a Thai, so I can't vote - but I would heartily vote against the current draft for various provisions it proposes (I won't articulate here). Ironically, it puts me in the camp with many Thai groups I don't care a hoot for, namely: TRT heavies and politicized monks.

The junta should be magninimous enough to say, "if the the current draft fails to get a majority vote, Thailand will revert to the'97 draft." No revisions - unless and until a nationally elected group enacts revisions via a parliamentary process.

I come from a country (the US) where the constitution is looked upon as a serious document, not something to be re-written every few months depending on which group of generals holds the reins. Amendments, ok, but not scratched out in an hour or so, in some back room by a few self-serving brass.

I'm not a Thai, so I can't vote - but I would heartily vote against the current draft for various provisions it proposes (I won't articulate here). Ironically, it puts me in the camp with many Thai groups I don't care a hoot for, namely: TRT heavies and politicized monks.

x 2

With the opening of this thread, is it possible to close 2 others to reduce confusion, eliminate double-posting, and stop concurrent threads on the same topic?

Constitution Drafting Assembly Appointed by Royal Decree

and

EC To Arrange Public Referendum In August

Thank you.

Edited July 6, 200719 yr by sriracha john

With the opening of this thread, it is possible to close 2 others to reduce confusion, eliminate double-posting, and stop concurrent threads on the same topic?

Fixed.

Can anybody provide a link in english to the Draft Constitution so I can read what is written in it?

This IS NOT the final draft

2007_constitution_english.pdf

Thanks Mid. It's got pretty much everything covered so I guess they could give it a try.

I haven't digested it word for word but it seems to me the power will be with the privy council and senate. Wouldn't know if that's good or bad though

"....the prime minister, as well as any spouse or children would be barred from holding major stakes in private companies."

I can see where they are coming from here.

But I hope that they are going to allow stakes held at the time of taking up office to be put in a blind trust. And that it will apply to all Cabinet Ministers.

Otherwise there will be a seriously-big potential drawback to business people to offer themselves for election.

And it is very bad if there is not encouragement for successful people from all walks of life in 'The Real World' to serve in Government.

Having strayed into elective politics a couple of times, I know the very, very real dangers of getting too many 'specialist politicians' (especially those whose 'bread job' is in academia) into political parties and thence into office.

For the Brits, I would ask if you would feel it would have been good to never have had Harold Macmillan and Michael Heseltine in the Cabinet Room and to have had just more Margaret Thatchers and Tony Bliars around?

(PM Macmillan was a scion of the Macmillan publishers, and Heseltine was a self-made millionaire from building up his Haymarket Group of modern magazines).

Main points of Thailand's draft constitution

A military-appointed council on Friday approved a draft constitution that is meant to pave the way for the first elections in Thailand since last year's coup.

The charter is set to go before the public in a referendum tentatively scheduled for August 19.

Following are main points of the new charter:

-- Prime minister: The premier would be limited to eight years in office.

-- House of Representatives: The number of seats would be cut from 500 to 480.

-- Senate: The number of seats would be reduced from 200 to 150, and nearly half of them would be appointed by a selection committee comprising judges, election officials and civic groups.

-- Press freedom: Politicians would be barred from holding a stake in media companies.

-- Impeachment: The prime minister and other officials could be impeached for ethical violations.

-- Conflicts of interest: The prime minister, as well as any spouse or children would be barred from holding major stakes in private companies.

All cabinet ministers and lawmakers would be required to declare all of their assets.

-- Public participation: An impeachment motion could be brought if 20,000 voters sign a petition.

Constitutional amendments could be brought with 100,000 signatures.

Only 10,000 voters would need to sign a petition to sponsor a draft law.

-- Treaties: Public hearings would be required before Thailand could sign any international agreement. People who believe they have been harmed by a treaty could seek compensation.

Source: AFP - 07 July 2007

Matchima agrees with charter draft so election would be held quickly

The Matchima group has agreed with the constitution draft because the group wants the general election to be held soon. The group also believes that public members’ voices will be decisive on the constitution referendum day on August 19th.

The Matchima group leader, Mr. Somsak Thepsuthin, says his group members may not agree on many issues of the new charter draft, but they have to accept them so the general election would be held in the near future. He also says the constitution amendment can also be done later, and the Matchima group will respect the votes of public members on August 19th.

Because some of the group members have been barred from Thai politics for five years, Mr. Somsak says he will help the group in explaining the new charter draft to the general public, and this should not be a problem.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 07 July 2007

Matchima agrees with charter draft so election would be held quickly

The Matchima group has agreed with the constitution draft because the group wants the general election to be held soon. The group also believes that public members’ voices will be decisive on the constitution referendum day on August 19th.

The Matchima group leader, Mr. Somsak Thepsuthin, says his group members may not agree on many issues of the new charter draft, but they have to accept them so the general election would be held in the near future. He also says the constitution amendment can also be done later, and the Matchima group will respect the votes of public members on August 19th.

Because some of the group members have been barred from Thai politics for five years, Mr. Somsak says he will help the group in explaining the new charter draft to the general public, and this should not be a problem.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 07 July 2007

That gives Matchima and Chart Thai in favour and the rump TRT against although not unanimously. What have the Dems said?

What have the Dems said?

same train , accept and fix later ,

Good Luck Thailand .

Petchabun residents voice support for Gen Prem, CNS, and government

Petchabun residents gathered to voice their support for Chief Privy Councilor Gen Prem Tinasulanon (เปรม ติณสูลานนท์) yesterday (July 6).

More than 200 Petchabun residents gathered at the Petchabun provincial hall yesterday as a sign of support for the Constitution Drafting Assembly's approval of the 2007 constitutional draft and to provide support for Chief Privy Councilor and Statesman Gen Prem Tinasulanon (เปรม ติณสูลานนท์). Petchabun Governor Thorpong Ampan (ต่อพงษ์ อ่ำพันธ) met with the crowd to receive their letter of intent.

The crowd affirms that they are supportive of the 2007 constitutional draft and disagree with demonstration groups for criticizing the government and the Council for National Security. The Petchabun Govenor added that the crowd's letter of intent stated that the government should proceed with public opinion surveys and general elections.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 07 July 2007

What have the Dems said?

same train , accept and fix later ,

Good Luck Thailand .

And here is an interesting quote from Chatchuron

"We aim to campaign people to support the formation of a new political party. Our activities do not involve blocking the new constitution draft," he said.

From the Nation Article Thai Rak Thai puts on a united front.

It seems rump TRT are not as united in opposing the draft as they seemed a day or two ago.

initial observations appear to confirm the juntas suspicions , that they accept what ever so as to get to the election .

it's easy to predict that Thailand has not seen it's last coup .

initial observations appear to confirm the juntas suspicions , that they accept what ever so as to get to the election .

it's easy to predict that Thailand has not seen it's last coup .

Agree with that. Funny you me and Sondhi L all in agreement.

Joking apart. I think the Junta rather wanted TRT rump to oppose the the charter. Then if everybody else accepted it there would be a very good indication of the election result before the election coupled with an opportunity to take action before the election if things hadnt gone according tio plan. There are many different level to evrything that is being played out right now.

Army Chief instructs army area commands to inform general public of charter draft

Commander-in-chief of the Royal Thai Army Gen.Sonthi Boonyaratglin instructs all army area commands to inform the general public of the 2007 Constitution draft and campaign for the referendum via all media channels operated by the army.

Army Deputy Spokesman Col.Sirichan Ngathong (ศิริจันทร์ งาทอง) reports that apart from the army’s media, the army chief suggested the army area commands to deploy military officers to arrange public relations activities on the charter draft.

Regarding the Southern insurgency, the deputy spokesman says Gen.Sonthi said that the army will dispatch more officials there and focus on training them on special military techniques to boost their confidence when performing duty.

In addition, the deputy spokesman reveals that the army will take part in the arrangement of the cremation ceremony in August for military and police officers as well as civil personnel who died in duty. The Internal Security Operations Command or ISOC will host the ceremony.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 07 July 2007

trust nobody is holding their breath hopping to have BOTH sides ,

as to the South , acknowledgement of Tak Bai would be a start .

Thai protestors burn a symbolic effigy of the democracy during a protest in front of the Parliament house against the new constitution in Bangkok, 06 July 2007.

A military-appointed council approved its final draft of a new constitution that is meant to guide Thailand back to democracy after last year's coup, but faces stiff opposition.

Source: The Manager - 07 July 2007

Charter gets OK from council

By Nopporn Wong-Anan

REUTERS NEWS AGENCY

July 7, 2007

"This charter has been drafted by dictators. How can we accept it?" former Thaksin spokesman Jakrapob Penkair told 200 supporters in front of parliament during the council vote.

Thongchai Keuasakul, a retired army general who failed to get Buddhism declared the official state religion in the charter, said Buddhist advocacy groups would campaign against it.

"Millions of Buddhists will go to cast a 'no' vote for this charter," he told Reuters.

The Asian Human Rights Commission issued a scathing critique of the army and its democracy road map, saying it bore ominous similarities to Burma, whose putative new charter is widely dismissed as a smoke screen to keep the junta in power.

The Washington Times

Referendum bill penalties to ease

NLA committee seen as bowing to criticisms

POST REPORTERS

Gothom Arya, a member of the panel, said changes might still be made to the proposed penalties and even the title of the bill. He also suggested the prison term and hefty fines could be removed to accommodate an ''atmosphere of knowledge-sharing''.

However, he said penalty clauses should be retained in the bill, especially for any acts that are meant to distort the content of the draft constitution.

''As a matter of fact, the referendum bill is not about the referendum. A referendum can be organised right away. The bill is about specifying punishments,'' he said.

Mr Gothom explained that a campaign urging the public to reject the draft charter at the referendum is not a crime and should not be outlawed.

The Post Publishing Public Co

Buddhists praised for dropping protest

(BangkokPost.com) - The Democrat party has praised Buddhist organisations for dropping their active campaign for a "no" vote against the draft constitution in the upcoming referendum.

Some Buddhist organisations were adamant that Buddhism be listed as the national religion in the draft constitution, but drafters rejected the demand.

The Post Publishing Public Co

Democrat Party expresses its views concerning draft charter

Democrat Party Leader Mr.Abhisit Vejjajiva (อภิสิทธิ์ เวชชาชีวะ) said the government should organize several public debates concerning the amended charter so that people in general will be able to understand the charter more especially before the referendum.

Democrat Party Leader Mr.Abhisit Vejjajiva (อภิสิทธิ์ เวชชาชีวะ) says the amended charter has been developed and re-edited from the 1997 Constitution. Issues picked up from the former charter included human rights, and transparency concerning state agencies. International Treaty must be approved by the members of the parliament. At the mean time the charter also allows public participation to proposed the law enactment. He comments the qualification of members for the House of Representative is no longer restricted to those with atleast a Bachelor's degree. I

n addition MPs elected as a minister will also have rights to retain his position as an MP; and that the cabinet must be responsible for the Legislative Assembly.

Mr.Abhisit further says the overall of the new constitution is easy to understand and hopes that the general public will be able to approve the amended version of the charter.

Mr Abhisit said he is not in a position to favour the Council for National Security (CNS) as the content of the constitution charter is more important.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 09 July 2007

EC and CDC invite people to take part in constitution referendum

The Election Commission (EC) and the Constitution Drafting Committee (CDC) member, Mrs. Sodsri Sattayatham, say the constitution referendum on August 19th this year will be another historical event of Thailand as it would be the country’s first ever constitution referendum.

Mrs. Sodsri says the Cabinet has approved a budget of more than 500 million baht for the holding of the constitution referendum. She says the actual budget is one billion baht, but the money will be paid in different stages. She says the budget will be used to organize public relations activities to raise public awareness of the constitution referendum.

Mrs. Sodsri says the voting process is similar to the general election, but the ballot cards will not have the names of politicians. Voters will only decide whether they accept or disapprove the new charter draft. She would like to invite public members to participate in the constitution referendum as it would be Thailand first ever constitution referendum.

Mrs. Sodsri says the Constitution Drafting Assembly (CDA) will inform the general public of the qualifications of people who can vote in the constitution referendum soon.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 09 July 2007

Interior Minister turns down rumor that governors will be penalized if charter draft has been rejected

The Interior Minister, Mr. Aree Wongaraya, has dismissed the rumor that the Ministry of Interior will penalize the provincial governors if the constitution referendum on August 19th, 2007 has disapproved the new charter draft.

Mr. Aree says the news is groundless, and it is merely a rumor. In addition, he says the Interior Ministry does not have the authority to commit such action.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 09 July 2007

Interior Minister turns down rumor that governors will be penalized if charter draft has been rejected

let the record show , that's on the table now .

OPINION / THAILAND'S POST-COUP POLITICS

Political intentions remain unclear

CNS generals have stopped their dithering, but many important questions still must be answered

By THITINAN PONGSUDHIRAK

snip

Cognisant of the growing anti-charter columns, the CNS and the Surayud government will certainly do everything in their power to ram through the referendum. Their manoeuvrings will include the mobilisation of upcountry bureaucrats to lobby rural folks to approve the referendum.

Concurrently, the CNS is poised to marshal its foot soldiers in the Second and Third Army in the northeast and northern regions and to activate its recently expanded Internal Security Operations Command across the country to promote charter passage.

snip

From BKK Post: http://www.bangkokpost.com/News/09Jul2007_news17.php

This is a translation of a Thai Rath piece. Below are a number of quotes

TRT ignites political tinder

Thai Rath comment _ Former members of the disbanded Thai Rak Thai (TRT) party are waging another war against the Council for National Security (CNS) by declaring their opposition to the draft constitution passed by the Constitution Drafting Assembly last week.

With their big network of supporters and canvassers, the former TRT executive members and legislators can pose a big challenge to the CNS, which is campaigning for approval of the draft charter.

The move by the ex-TRT members may be viewed as an act of retaliation against the freezing of bank accounts of Mr Thaksin and his family members in connection with the investigation into their alleged involvement in corruption.

The outcome of this new political battle is still predictable, but it will certainly raise the political temperature in the run-up to the Aug 19 referendum.

It is interesting to see that Thai Rath sees it in terms of personal gamesmanship rather than true politcal positioning with ex-TRT heavyweights worried about the potential loss of their own assets, and as revenge for the Thaksin asset freeze. More of a power game than anything to do with what is in the charter. The Thai newspapers often analyse thigns very differently from the English language ones.