Pheu Thai's U-Turn on Charter Ethics Amendment: Four Key Reasons

[webfact]

 

In a surprising political development, the Pheu Thai Party has reversed its decision to amend the ethics clauses of the constitution. This abrupt backtrack was analysed by former election commissioner Somchai Srisutthiyakorn, who highlighted four pivotal reasons for this change, as reported by Naewna newspaper on September 25.

 

Yesterday, the People’s Party submitted a draft for amending ten clauses of the constitution. Among these proposed changes were revisions to the qualifications of politicians and their ethical standards. In a Facebook post, Somchai likened Pheu Thai’s retreat from these amendments to a vehicle making a U-turn at the entrance of an alley, leaving its passengers, the People’s Party, bewildered.

 

Here are the four key reasons Somchai attributed to Pheu Thai’s drastic shift:

 

1) Internal Opposition from People’s Party: The People’s Party did not fully endorse amending the ethics clauses. Their initial proposal was seen more as a tentative measure to gauge public reaction. When met with significant backlash - being accused of benefiting their camp exclusively - they chose to withdraw.

2) Coalition Partners' Stance: Pheu Thai’s coalition partners aimed to maintain a favourable public image amidst prevailing social trends. This led to a gradual but clear opposition to amending the ethics clauses. Significant opposition came from parties such as Bhumjaithai, Ruam Thai Sang Chart, and the Democrat Party, reported Thai Newsroom.

 

3) Parliamentary Approval Challenges: Amending the constitution requires more than half of the lawmakers’ approval, which includes securing one-third of the votes from the 200 senators. This task proved daunting since a substantial number of senators are informally referred to as “Blue Senators,” allegedly influenced by Bhumjaithai, de facto led by Newin Chidchob.

 

4) Time Constraints: Timing was a critical factor. If a referendum on the charter amendment is to be held by early February next year alongside provincial administration organisation elections, Thailand's parliament must pass three readings by October 30 this year. The law mandates that 60 days must precede the referendum from the approval date, compressing the timeline impossibly tight.

 

These factors collectively underscored the impracticality of the proposed amendments, leading Pheu Thai to refocus its energy on more viable political pursuits.

 

FILE - Somchai Srisutthiyakorn. Picture courtesy: Komchadluek

 

-- 2024-09-26

 

[stoner]

7 minutes ago, webfact said:

allegedly influenced by Bhumjaithai, de facto led by Newin Chidchob.

 

allegedly indeed.

 

anutin is the puppet master or have you not been paying attention over the last few years ? 

 

 

[hotchilli]

8 hours ago, webfact said:

Here are the four key reasons Somchai attributed to Pheu Thai’s drastic shift:

People sussed them out before it could be forced through...

[kingstonkid]

Paetong was asked how she thought daddy would look in prison and she would feel if she got the boot as PM

 

There will be no changes to the NCPO charter as long as the NCPO backers are still inpower.  The only way things change is if the People's Party gets a majority and the Senate gets the boot.

[MarkBR]

1 hour ago, kingstonkid said:

Paetong was asked how she thought daddy would look in prison and she would feel if she got the boot as PM

 

There will be no changes to the NCPO charter as long as the NCPO backers are still inpower.  The only way things change is if the People's Party gets a majority and the Senate gets the boot.

Then a majority of potentially ethical politicians in power.  That would mean Thailand could move to the future - a dramatic change.

[Hunz Kittisak]

1 hour ago, kingstonkid said:

Paetong was asked how she thought daddy would look in prison and she would feel if she got the boot as PM

 

There will be no changes to the NCPO charter as long as the NCPO backers are still inpower.  The only way things change is if the People's Party gets a majority and the Senate gets the boot.

That’s simplistic thinking 

Whether or not PP can be eligible to contest the next elections is a big IF, bound to have many obstacles for them

[kingstonkid]

On 9/26/2024 at 4:32 PM, Hunz Kittisak said:

That’s simplistic thinking 

Whether or not PP can be eligible to contest the next elections is a big IF, bound to have many obstacles for them

They will run in some form or other and be assured they will dot all I and cross all T's,  We all know the powers tht be will be looking for loopholes.

 

That is why they do not want to see an amendment to the Constitution; it would take away the NCPO's power.

 

The only thing stopping the PTP and PP from joining forces on this is the fear that Thaksin will go back to jail.  Remember, PT and PP have the majority. The one thing they lack is trust in each other.