Prime Minister Urges Political Parties To Propose Charter Amendments

[webfact]

Someone should tell them that there's constitition reform process going inside already and red representatives in parliament clearly do not want any people input.

Does it mean the reds have different agenda? Right hand does not know what left hand is doing?

[sriracha john]

UDD file their petition to House Speaker today

BANGKOK, 18 May 2009 (NNT) - The United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) supporters gradually came for a gathering at Parliament House today and filed their request to House Speaker Chai Chidchob.

The request stated their demand to have their version of the constitution draft considered in the Representatives meeting today.

As an attempt to control the situation of the UDD movement, eight companies of police officers have been prepared and barriers were erected around Parliament House.

Inside Parliament House, a number of security officers and water tankers were arranged under the supervision of Metropolitan Police Chief Worapong Chiewpreecha.

-- NNT 2009-05-18

[Samuian]

Someone should tell them that there's constitition reform process going inside already and red representatives in parliament clearly do not want any people input.

Does it mean the reds have different agenda? Right hand does not know what left hand is doing?

Remember "The great split up" ?

Maybe we will se the day they're rallying against each other!?

I don't think it is a good idea only to ban

"those who are found guilty of wrongdoings" from Politics..

No good at all!

Opens up to new strategies - ONE - does all the cheating, vote buying, rigging,

after elections are won, everything is in place he says: "Sorry, folks yes I did it,

cashes in his bonuses and goes off "up country" to make groundwork behind the curtains

for the 5 years to come..

and all the others, the whole Party get away with it...

HERE and NOW not a good Idea!

It should remain in place as long as it deems necessary!

a slap on the wrist isn't bad after all what we've seen here!

Come on only a little cheating, not much only here a bit, there a bit...

One amnesty for now, ONE for those absolutely clean - the rest kiss good bye!

Think about it - just think!

Edited May 18, 2009 by Samuian

[sriracha john]

Thai anti-gov't group rallies demanding Parliament to deliberate their charter draft

BANGKOK -- A group of the Thai anti-government protestors or the red-shirted people Monday submitted a letter to a representative official of the Parliament, demanding the Parliament to include their version of the charter draft for deliberation.

The group, which consisted of around 300 red-shirted people, said in the letter their version of the charter draft together with signatures of Thais has been proposed to the Parliament since September 2008, however, the Parliament has not yet taken the charter draft to deliberate.

Metal barricades were installed in front of the Parliament as eight companies of police from the Metropolitan Police Bureau were deployed to ensure security.

Thailand is currently under the 2007 Constitution, which was drafted by a committee established by the military that abrogated the previous 1997 Constitution.

The red-shirted people have been perceived as the supporters of ousted former Thai prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, who was ousted by a military coup in September, 2006, in accusation of corruption, keeping him in exile since then.

Thaksin returned to Thailand in February, 2008, to face corruption charges, but he later fled into exile again and was convicted in absentia.

- Xinhua / 2009-05-18

[sriracha john]

UDD nearly clashes with monks at Parliament

BANGKOK, 18 May 2009 (NNT) - The United Front of Democracy Against Dictatorship (UDD) protesters and a group of monk demonstrators almost fought at Parliament House today.

The UDD protesters traveled there to call for Parliament President and House Speaker Chai Chidchob to bring forth constitutional amendments as an agenda at the next parliament meeting.

During their demonstration, UDD members clashed with monks representing the Buddhist Values Network of Thailand, who were present at the parliament to call for the government to declare Buddhism official religion of Thailand.

The two groups exchanged harsh words and one monk angrily splashed hot water in the general direction of the UDD protesters. The same monk reportedly stripped down to one robe and began taunting and challenging UDD protesters to a fistfight.

UDD members were restrained by their own group as the demonstrators feared that a violent clash with monks would seriously damage the UDD's reputation.

Second-generation UDD leader Somyot Priksakasemsuk said he called on UDD protesters to move away from the monks' assembly area and asked the monks to remain calm, resulting in the situation returning to normal.

-- Tan Network 2009-05-18

[animatic]

Someone should tell them that there's constitition reform process going inside already and red representatives in parliament clearly do not want any people input.

Does it mean the reds have different agenda? Right hand does not know what left hand is doing?

Remember "The great split up" ?

Maybe we will se the day they're rallying against each other!?

I don't think it is a good idea only to ban

"those who are found guilty of wrongdoings" from Politics..

No good at all!

Opens up to new strategies - ONE - does all the cheating, vote buying, rigging,

after elections are won, everything is in place he says: "Sorry, folks yes I did it,

cashes in his bonuses and goes off "up country" to make groundwork behind the curtains

for the 5 years to come..

and all the others, the whole Party get away with it...

HERE and NOW not a good Idea!

It should remain in place as long as it deems necessary!

a slap on the wrist isn't bad after all what we've seen here!

Come on only a little cheating, not much only here a bit, there a bit...

One amnesty for now, ONE for those absolutely clean - the rest kiss good bye!

Think about it - just think!

That DOES go to the crux of the argument FOR Party Dissolution and long term bans.

We have seen how TRT to PPP to PTP actual DID effectively lower the ability to cause trouble.

It effectively limited the Thaksin Election Machine from over-riding the natural voting function,

as it has for years. No so different a gerrymandering and manipulation machine as

Mayor Daily in 50-70's Chicagao. Or Tammany Hall in NYC back in the 1800's

Fortunately those type machines have been rendered mostly null.

Add to that that PTP can't find leaders because the likely candidates won't risk a banning.

It is FINALLY sinking in that with this law they CAN'T CHEAT like they used too.

Which if course is why they are using the Reds in a street pressure strategy

and are trying to get those WORKING rules withdrawn,

EXACTLY BECAUSE THEY ARE WORKING.

Edited May 19, 2009 by animatic

[sriracha john]

Deadline fast approaches for political reforms

The parliamentary committee for national reconciliation, political reform, and charter amendment yesterday told the sub-panel studying reconciliation to have its proposals ready by May 26 to 28.

Meanwhile, the sub-committee in charge of political reform and the panel for charter amendment are also expected to submit their proposals over the next few weeks.

Committee Chairman Direk Tuengfang said his team was ready to deliberate on each guideline, though the deadline would be kept flexible if the proposals were not ready in time.

The parliamentary committee's 45-day deadline ends on June 20 and each sub-panel is expected to report to the 40-member group every Tuesday, as they did yesterday.

Senator Tuang Anthachai, Chairman of the panel for reconciliation, said they had invited the public, including civic groups such as King Prajadhipok's Institute's Sarn Sewana (citizen dialogue) group, media professionals, teachers, and university lecturers as well as representatives from the business sector, to share their ideas and opinions. The panel will study the impact of charter implementation and propose opinions that are worth considering, Tuang said.

The panel also agreed to propose guidelines to stop politicians from quarreling and clarifying that the government and the opposition do want to reconcile. The media is also encouraged to report effectively as the panel proposes charter amendments that facilitate reconciliation and discussions among opposing groups.

Senator Lertrat Ratanavanich, Chairman of the panel in charge of charter amendment, said the panel last week agreed that there should only be one MP per constituency, instead of the current norm of choosing two or three. Meanwhile, he said, each Party should field 100 Party-list MP candidates from across the country instead of the current eight proportionate MP candidates proposed to represent each region.

So far, nearly all political parties have proposed the elimination of certain parts of the charter's Article 237, so that only executive members caught of electoral fraud face punishment, he said.

According to law at present, a Party has to be dissolved and executive members' voting rights revoked in case an executive member is caught over electoral fraud.

However, the panel said it would propose a referendum so the public could decide on such a controversial issue.

Former charter drafter Surapon Nitikraipot said the law was meant to stop electoral fraud and those benefiting from such activities should also be held responsible.

Songkhla Senator Prasert Chitapong, Chairman of the panel for political reform, said his team would further study existing research on political reform, hear public opinion through seminars and other outlets, as well as suggest that the public be educated in politics and encourage further participation.

The panel will also propose the development of certain legal aspects in Thai politics to fix unfairness, Prasert said.

Meanwhile, Ruam Jai Thai Chart Pattana Party MP Wirat Ratanaset proposed that opposing groups such as the Democratic Alliance against Dictatorship and the People's Alliance for Democracy or former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra and the oft-mentioned Privy Council President Prem Tinsulanonda, sit down and air their differences. However, Tuang said unsuccessful discussions could lead to more conflicts.

-- The Nation 2009-05-20

[Plus]

"Ruam Jai Thai Chart Pattana Party MP Wirat Ratanaset proposed that opposing groups such as the Democratic Alliance against Dictatorship and the People's Alliance for Democracy or former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra and the oft-mentioned Privy Council President Prem Tinsulanonda, sit down and air their differences. However, Tuang said unsuccessful discussions could lead to more conflicts."

What are the chances of success then? What are the chances of more conflicts?

[sriracha john]

Panel agrees to major amendments

The parliamentary sub-committee in charge of studying constitutional amendments unanimously agreed yesterday to change the law to allow MPs to take political positions they are now prohibited for taking.

MPs should be allowed to be assistants, secretaries or advisers to ministers, while senators should also be allowed to take other positions, they said.

The panel led by Senator Lertrat Ratanavanich also unanimously agreed to cut part of the law to open ways for MPs and senators to pass on complaints or to facilitate solutions to resolve people's problems.

Article 266 of the charter now prohibits MPs and senators from "interfering" in the work of state officials. This has stopped MPs and senators from "risking" their positions to help people.

The panel also unanimously agreed to propose changes to the Senate, so that there are 200 senators in total, elected from around the country. They also felt the authority of senators should also be reviewed.

The panel members agreed to change Article 190 of the charter, which requires parliamentary approval for international agreements between Thailand and other countries. They said the law needed clarity and specification. They will discuss the Article again today as former charter drafters Chirmsak Pinthong and Surachai Liangboonlertchai, who are panel members, were absent yesterday.

The panel members attending yesterday's meeting included MPs Somsak Kiatsuranont, Paijit Sreewarakan, Wirach Ratanasate, Chamni Sakdiset, Tawil Praisont, Nipon Wisityuthasart, former MPs Akapol Sorasuchart and Prayut Siripanich, as well as law expert Prasit Pivavatnapanich.

Meanwhile, the ruling Democrat Party yesterday proposed five changes to the Constitution including a provision on party dissolution.

The Democrats proposed that Article 237 be changed so that only party executive boards are punished if they are found guilty of electoral fraud. Provisions calling for parties to be disbanded would be dropped.

They reasoned that disbanding a party had negative consequences for other members who may have nothing to do with an offence.

Democrat Party MP Thawil Praison proposed the amendments from his party to Lertrat.

The Democrats also want some 200 senators all being elected.

The party also wants alterations to Article 256 (1) to allow MPs to be political office holders such as ministers or secretaries to ministers so they can gain experience needed when they rise to key roles.

Another change the party wants to see is "improving" Article 266 by allowing MPs and Senators to file complaints on behalf of the public to concerned state agencies.

A final change the Democrats want is making Article 190 clearer on what types of law, ratifications, and peace or truce agreements the government needs to get House approval for.

Chart Thai Pattana Party also agreed to amend Article 190. Members of the panel felt the second and third paragraph of Article 190 should be removed so a government can do its work more smoothly.

The panel also agreed that MPs be allowed to hold political posts and that all 200 Senators should be elected. Akapol, a panel member, said if senators were appointed they should have different roles and power.

Nipon, a panel member from the Democrat Party, said if the panel wanted to have elected senators, it must add a clause to allow existing appointed senators to serve a full term before a Senate poll is held.

Lertrat noted the advantage of having appointed Senators, saying the 2007 Constitution stipulated that senators must not participate in political activities for five years before assuming the post, and they must not have ties with politicians. He said because of these bans, there had been fewer controversies involving appointed senators.

Lertrat said the panel would look into major points in the charter deemed "undemocratic or unfair". To amend the Constitution in more detail, a political reform council should be established to look at all articles and provisions.

-- The Nation 2009-05-21

[Plus]

That's not too bad, overall.

Hopefully it will spark public debate on the role of elected politicians, legislative and executive branches, and the government.

So far politicians want to be in the government, any position, any ministry regardless of their qualifications and experience. Some even openly admit that they should be given these position as an in-job training.

I will not touch on the motives behind trying to be as close to managing budgets as possible, that's just too obvious, I hope people would realise that being a cousin of the top bloke in Yasothon doesn't make one expert in agricultural policies or healthcare management with billions of baht at your disposal. I hope people realise that there must be far stricter criteria for taking executive positions with enourmous responsibility.

The Information and Communications Ministry, undoubtly one of the most demanding in terms of professional knowledge, has been run by a spa operator, a guy who didn't know how to use Internet, and a nurse who is afraid to hold important meetings because than everybody would see that she's just dumb.

I hope the public debate expands further on quota system when filling Cabinet positions, too.

[sriracha john]

House Speaker: Parliament ready for public hearing on constitutional amendments

BANGKOK, 23 May 2009 (NNT) – House Speaker Chai Chidchob said Parliament was ready to conduct a public hearing on constitutional amendments to promote public participation in politics.

Chai Chidchob, the Parliament President and House Speaker, said today in response to the public’s criticisms and oppositions to the constitutional amendments that if certain groups of people did not agree with the amendments, they could request for a public hearing on the matter.

He added that even though a law to authorize a new public hearing might not be passed in time, the previous referendum regulations could be used instead and the Election Commission could immediately organize the public hearing.

Chai added that the government wanted the public to participate in the charter revisions in order to have a true constitution for Thai citizens.

However, Chai stated that Parliament's urgent task at the present was not the charter rewrite, but the alleviation of the economic crisis.

He added that the constitutional amendments should be conducted carefully and thoroughly without haste.

-- NNT 2009-05-23

[sriracha john]

Panel calls for action to right 'past errors'

The parliamentary committee on national reconciliation has recommended remedial measures be put in place to reverse what some politicians claim is their unfair treatment under the present constitution. The measures are part of a set of recommendations made yesterday by the committee on national reconciliation, political reform, and constitutional amendments.

The recommendations were put forward by the subcommittee on national reconciliation, one of three subcommittees appointed to study each of the three tasks. The main committee is made up of senators and MPs from both the government and opposition camps. The subcommittees comprise MPs, senators and experts from outside the parliament.

Continued:

-- Bangkok Post 2009-05-28

[hammered]

It seems a burst of lots of agreement has broken out in parliament. What next an all night love in between former practioners of parliamentary pugilism?

[sriracha john]

Panel backs cut in EC power

The parliamentary committee on reconciliation, political reform, and constitutional amendment has agreed with proposals to reduce the power of the Election Commission to disqualify political candidates. The committee, chaired by Senator Direk Thuengfang, yesterday met to consider a framework on political reform and a set of recommendations.

The recommendations were put forward by the subcommittee on political reform, headed by Sen Prasert Chittapong. The meeting raised the EC's power to issue red and yellow cards to candidates accused of violating election law.

Prayuth Siripanit, a member of the main panel from the Puea Thai Party, said the power to issue yellow and red cards to candidates before and after elections should be transferred to the courts. The proposal was well received by the panel.

Continued:

-- Bangkok Post 2009-06-04

[hammered]

Lots of cross party agreement on reducing checks and balances on themselves.

[Plus]

Yeah, but note how all these agreements are announced by PTP members and never by democrats. In one case I the chairmen had to clarify that it was just a proposal and no agreements have been reached. Don't remember which proposal was that, though.

>>>>

I don't understand why they want the courts to get involved with yellow cards now. They have always wanted the courts to stay clear of politics. What happened now?

Curbing EC powers is not going to fly with the public, and the courts will most definintely refuse.

[slimdog]

Lots of cross party agreement on reducing checks and balances on themselves.

The original idea to use purely the court system for confirming yellow and red cards was proposed at the start of the hearings into political reconciliation and constitutional amendments. This proposal came from the Election Commission secretary-general, Suthiphon Thaveechaiyagarn. His comments were made when he disclosed that 100 % of all yellow and red cards issued by the Election Commission within 30 days of the last election were endorsed as being legally correct by the Council of State. When the 30 day period had finished and all cases had to be endorsed by the supreme court the figure went down to less than 40%.

Over sixty percent of the Election Commission's ruling were found to be seriously flawed, and the yellow and red cards were revoked.

As two political parties, Chart Thai and Matchima were dissolved because an executive had been red Carded within the first 30 days, requiring no legal review of the actual case, other than that the correct legal requirements had been made, then maybe it is not such a bad idea, especially as legally, any constituent MP who is red carded can be forced to personally pay the full cost of a re-election amounting to millions of baht.

Checks and balances should work both ways

[Plus]

Good point.

On the other hand it's not practical. Imagine if every job applicant went to the courts to demand review of his rejection.

Maybe EC shouldn't impose financial punishment, that way all that is lost is really a job opportunity, no big deal.

Now they invest a lot of undeclared money in elections, so there ARE financial losses one way or another, but why should the system protect the under the table investments?

[hammered]

Good point.

On the other hand it's not practical. Imagine if every job applicant went to the courts to demand review of his rejection.

Maybe EC shouldn't impose financial punishment, that way all that is lost is really a job opportunity, no big deal.

Now they invest a lot of undeclared money in elections, so there ARE financial losses one way or another, but why should the system protect the under the table investments?

And how do we get a check and balance on not just vote buying that hardly ever gets reported and society seems to accept, not to mention sitting MP buying which delivers elections to parties and always has?

Whatever they come up with it wont change the fundamental flaws that exist because they arent discussing them and you cannot expect the very people who benefit from the flaws to change them. In there lies a big problem - asking polticians to fix a poltical system. That is not unique to Thailand.

[Ricardo]

The recommendations were put forward by the subcommittee on political reform, headed by Sen Prasert Chittapong. The meeting raised the EC's power to issue red and yellow cards to candidates accused of violating election law.

Prayuth Siripanit, a member of the main panel from the Puea Thai Party, said the power to issue yellow and red cards to candidates before and after elections should be transferred to the courts. The proposal was well received by the panel.

But I thought the PTP, or their shadowy overseas main-political-adviser, had no confidence in the current Thai justice-system to deliver justice, which was why he is on-the-run, in order to avoid it ?

And surely the E.C., with its red & yellow-card system, has been working steadily & successfully to punish & expose electoral-wrongdoing, in whatever party, through the past 2-3 elections ? Making steady progress towards a better electoral-system.

Which I guess is why it's got to go !

Treble lunch-boxes all round, chaps !

[hammered]

The recommendations were put forward by the subcommittee on political reform, headed by Sen Prasert Chittapong. The meeting raised the EC's power to issue red and yellow cards to candidates accused of violating election law.

Prayuth Siripanit, a member of the main panel from the Puea Thai Party, said the power to issue yellow and red cards to candidates before and after elections should be transferred to the courts. The proposal was well received by the panel.

But I thought the PTP, or their shadowy overseas main-political-adviser, had no confidence in the current Thai justice-system to deliver justice, which was why he is on-the-run, in order to avoid it ?

And surely the E.C., with its red & yellow-card system, has been working steadily & successfully to punish & expose electoral-wrongdoing, in whatever party, through the past 2-3 elections ? Making steady progress towards a better electoral-system.

Which I guess is why it's got to go !

Treble lunch-boxes all round, chaps !

They never grumbled when Thaksin's favorite EC was providing cover on the flanks and managed to disappear the copmplaints against TRT while homing in onther parties that received less complaints.

It is all about power.

Courts take a lot longer to do things too. I think the original EC idea dating back to the old consty was based on the Indian experience with a very powerful unappealable EC that would frighten MPs into not cheating. However, then along came money etc and we ended up with an EC owned by a poltical party that got jailed then we ended up with another EC that.......

[sriracha john]

Reconciliation panel on charter amendment fails to reach agreement Tuesday

The reconciliation panel for political reform and charter amendment found it difficult again to reach conclusion on whether it would just propose opinions or had to vote on which Article should be amended.

It spent over an hour debating the issue.

Chairman Direk Tuengfang then concluded the committee must decide and propose whether to change each Article of the charter.

The members would have to vote on disagreed issues.

The committee then went on discussion on the Article 68 and 237, which state party dissolution and executives' voting right revocation for party whose executive cheats an election.

The committee still discusses the Articles in the afternoon.

The sub-committee studying guidelines for Constitution amendment yesterday presented its studies result to the committee.

Panel Chairman Lertrat Ratanavanich earlier briefed his panel's study result stating charter amendment for Articles related to six issues. However, his panel has not proposed a conclusion, giving only what the majority and the minority in the committee said.

-- The Nation 2009-06-09

[sriracha john]

Election system should be changed to One-Man-One-Vote

The parliamentary committee studying guidelines for political reform and Constitution amendment Wednesday agreed with changes in the MP election system which would see an MP represent one constituency and a political party would be required to file a list of party-list MPs to be voted nationwide.

The committee, led by Senator Dierk Tuengfang, also agreed minimum votes required for a party to have party-list MPs should be reduced or removed, to open more chance for small or new parties to have MP seats.

According to current charter, two or three MPs represent each constituency depending on size of population, which is larger than in the previous election. Meanwhile, a party field lists of proportionate MP candidates representing eight zones around the country.

In support of "one man, one vote" system, most of the committee members agreed that a person should have an equal right to vote for one candidate, not two or three as stipulated in the present constitution.

Moreover, MPs would be better able to take care of local people in small constituency. Some committee members saw it is easier to detect electoral fraud in small constituencies than in the large ones. Besides, a new face MP candidate can have a better chance with this system of election.

However, the others said in small constituencies the competition is fiercer and require less money to buy votes making it easier for a candidate to buy votes.

National Institute of Development Administration Rector Sombat Tamrongtanyawong said in principle, constituency MPs represent their localities while party-list MPs do not stick to any particular area.

"Neither system would stop vote buying," he said.

-- The Nation 2009-06-10

[hammered]

National Institute of Development Administration Rector Sombat Tamrongtanyawong said in principle, constituency MPs represent their localities while party-list MPs do not stick to any particular area.

"Neither system would stop vote buying," he said.

In principle but in practice..........

[Plus]

Sometimes it seems Dems have decided to go along just to see the amendments killed for sure.

The problem with referendum is that all kinds of changes would require only ONE 'yes/no' answer, so people, 90% of whom have never read the constitution will be forced to decide whether one consitutiency MP would be worth sacrifucing no punishement for fraud. It just doesn't make much sense.

But the same could be said about 2007 referendum, too.

What is the purpose of all those referendums anyway?

Last time people voted along their party line, without even reading it.

The ultimate result depends on who is doing the writing and for whose benefit, as people's approval is no more than a rubber stamp.

[sriracha john]

Here's another one to vote on specifically at referendum... a major change to the Senate...

Panel wants 200 elected Senators

The Parliamentary Committee for Reconciliation, Political Reform, and Constitutional Amendment agreed on Wednesday afternoon for the Senate to have 200 members, all from election.

Under the present constitution there are 150 senators. Of them, 76 are to be elected from provinces and 74 picked by a selection committee.

After a lengthy debate, the 40-member panel agreed to amend the constitution to have 200 Senators, all elected by the people nationwide.

Earlier Wednesday, the committee resolved to have 500 MPs, 400 from single-MP constituencies and 100 from Party lists.

-- The Nation 2009-06-10

Edited June 10, 2009 by sriracha john

[sriracha john]

agreed to amend the constitution to have 200 Senators, all elected by the people nationwide.

That's gonna be one heck of a ballot.... with 200+ names on it.

If that's not how it will be... how else is there to have a "nationwide vote" on the make-up of the entire Senate?

*edit. Perhaps Nation just really means they'll all be elected and provincial Senators are still going to be selected locally. But if that's case, where's the extra 50 Senators come from? (76 provinces x 2 = 150 before and now).

Will it based on population size, for example, the biggest provinces get an extra Senator?

Edited June 10, 2009 by sriracha john

[sriracha john]

Panel wants 200 elected senators

The parliamentary committee for reconciliation, political reform, and constitutional amendment agreed on Wednesday afternoon for the Senate to 200 members, all from election.

Under the present constitution there are 150 senators. Of them, 76 are to be elected from provinces and 74 picked by a selection committee.

After a lengthy debate, the 40-member panel agreed to amend the constitution to have 200 senators, all elected by the people nationwide. Earlier Wednesday, the committee resolved to have 500 MPs, 400 from single-MP constituencies and 100 from party lists.

Continued:

-- Bangkok Post 2009-06-10

==============================================================================

Charter review panel agree to change to MP election system

The parliamentary committee studying guidelines for political reform and Constitution amendment yesterday agreed with changes to the MP election system - so that while an MP would represent one constituency, a political party would file a number of names of party-list MPs to be voted on nationwide.

The election system would be like that according to the 1997 Constitution. However, the committee, led by Senator Dierk Tuengfang, agreed the minimum votes required for a party to have party-list MPs should be reduced or removed, to open more opportunities for small or new parties to gain parliamentary seats.

Meanwhile, most committee members agreed to propose changing the selection process for senators so that all 200 senators assume office from an election, as stated in the 1997 Constitution.

However, the committee suggested charter drafters consider whether to change the authority and qualifications of senators to suit the senators' roles in the future.

The proposal resulted from some members debating whether they wanted non-directly-elected or appointed senators.

According to the current charter, two or three MPs can represent each constituency depending on the size of its population, which is a larger number than in the previous election. Meanwhile, party field lists of MP candidates represent eight zones around the country.

In support of the "one man, one vote" system, most committee members agreed electors should have an equal right to vote for one candidate, not two or three as according to the current charter. In small constituencies MPs would be better able to take care of local people, committee members said, while it is easier to detect electoral fraud in small constituencies than in large ones. A new face MP candidate would have better opportunities with this system of election.

Other committee members said, however, in small constituencies the competition is more fierce and less money is required to buy votes - making it easier for corrupt candidates.

National Institute of Development Administration rector Sombat Tamrongtanyawong said in principle, constituency MPs represent their localities while partylist MPs do not stick to any particular area.

"Neither system would stop vote buying," he said.

On senators' origins, the committee said the taking of office by senators following an election is in line with democracy and allows people to decide who is most suitable for the post. On the other hand, appointed senators are not connected with the people.

According to the current charter, the 150 incumbent senators consist of 76 senators elected from each of the 76 provinces, with the remaining 74 senators appointed by a selection committee.

Moreover, senators - including those selected by a 7-member committee - currently have wide and important authority, including scrutiny of laws and selecting members of independent organisations, as well as taking part in the impeachment of elected people, such as the prime minister, ministers or MPs, the committee said.

The committee also considered removing the Senate which would leave only the House of Representatives in the Parliament. But it said the House still needs the Senate to help with the thorough consideration of legislation. Thai politics would need more development before taking that step.

-- The Nation 2009-06-11

[Plus]

These changes are immaterial. Waste of time, even though people might approve if asked.

I think they will try to sneak in immunity for politicians, too, among the consituency boundaries changes.

[sriracha john]

Political Reform Panel Agrees to Partly Rewrite Article 190

The national reconciliation committee on political reform and constitution amendment decided to partly rewrite Article 190 in the Constitution in order to facilitate operations of the government regarding its international affairs.

After a 3-hour discussion, the national reconciliation committee on political reform and constitution amendment agreed to maintain Article 190 in the current Constitution, but some of its details will be rewritten to facilitate operations of the government regarding its international affairs.

The amendment will authorize Parliament to approve all significant international treaties and agreements before they are signed by the government.

However, it will specify which types of international contracts must be approved by Parliament and which the government can deal with directly.

Meanwhile, Surachai Leangboonlertchai, one of the committee members, said Parliament must have the authority to consider international agreements by itself instead of having to go to the Constitution Court.

Paijit Sriworakan, a committee member from the opposition Pheu Thai Party, asked the Prime Minister to attend a meeting with the committee to make its final decision on issues. However, another committee member, Democrat Chinnaworn Boonyakiat, commented that the premier does not need to join the committee's final meeting because he will hear about the panel's decisions during a parliamentary session anyway.

-- Tan Network 2009-06-11