Prime Minister Urges Political Parties To Propose Charter Amendments

[hammered]

Interesting that the approach to a discredited politcal system is to jiggle around a little with numbers of elected politcos - read create more jobs for the boys - make sure MPs arent excluded from taking certain government linked posts as per now - read more extra paying jobs for the boys -, add in a bit of extra democracy described as OMVO but which really isnt as all constiuencies rate a vote differently. Make constituencies smaller and single representative - oh yes it saves on funny money. Nice bit of tinkering and a nice new paint of coat. So we get Thai politcs as per normal anyway with the local influentials still winning their constituencies up country and nobody really daring to challenge them. Funny how nobody has decided to recognize that the local constituency controlled by a party swapping influential is one of the big problems. The boys have decided that they may need to have a few party reshuffles but they sure aint going to do anything to undermine their access to power.

[Plus]

Funny how nobody has decided to recognize that the local constituency controlled by a party swapping influential is one of the big problems

Plenty of people know that, but no one asked them. It's the politicians fixing a system for their own use.

They might get enough public support in their own rural areas to push it through. In urban/Demo parts these amendments will have no chance of passing.

[hammered]

Funny how nobody has decided to recognize that the local constituency controlled by a party swapping influential is one of the big problems

Plenty of people know that, but no one asked them. It's the politicians fixing a system for their own use.

They might get enough public support in their own rural areas to push it through. In urban/Demo parts these amendments will have no chance of passing.

If the Dems back it, it will get support in their areas and they may either back it or state it is up to individuals. To openly oppose it risks damaging Abhisit's reconcilliation credentials. Still there is a some time to go and things may change. We may well end up having an election first if it suits say BJT

Very true by the way that nobody is asking the people. That has never ever been done over a constitution whatever academics etc say. Politicans change things to favour them. the current consty is has the most people rights ever. Lets hope those aspects dont get watered down

[sriracha john]

Panel seeks to loosen strict controls on politicians

A constitutional amendment proposed by the parliamentary reconciliation panel does not include the problem of MPs holding shares in companies - it is mainly about loosening the strict rules controlling politicians.

The parliamentary committee studying guidelines for national reconciliation, political reform and charter amendment, chaired by Senator Direk Tuengfang, has also proposed changes to the polling system and selection processes for MPs and Senators.

The panel has proposed a change to Article 265 (2) so that MPs can assume other political positions, such as a ministerial adviser or secretary.

The committee wants to change Article 266 so MPs and Senators are allowed to help solve people's problems with government agencies.

The objective of both Articles was to prevent conflicts of interest and politicial interference in government officials' work. But most members of the committee - including government and opposition MPs, elected and appointed senators and academics - saw the laws as too strict.

Committee members also want to change Article 237 and its penalties for cases of electoral fraud by party executives. They say the dissolution of parties and the revoking of voting rights should be scrapped. Wrongdoers should face more penalties than ordinary MP candidates, they said, but the right to vote was a fundamental one and should not be revoked.

Other proposed changes to the charter included Article 190, which requires parliamentary approval for international agreements. This was agreed to simplify government work.

And for national reconciliation, an urgent measure proposed by the committee was the return of rights and rehabilitation to those affected by use of the charter - such as the 220 former executives of dissolved parties.

On political reform, the committee said politicians who work hard and retire deserve more money, benefits and welfare but they must give priority to public interest. Poor but good MP and senator candidates also deserved funds to support them for an election. At the same time, public donations to the parties should be encouraged. The panel said these measures, plus good education and evaluation, would encourage good politicians.

The committee members widely criticised the selection process, role and authority of independent agencies under the Constitution, including the Constitution Court.

Members also shared ideas over the Supreme Court's Criminal Division for Political Office Holders being the only court to consider and rule on cases involving politicians. The Election Commission was criticised as too powerful, with suggestions that only courts should decide on whether MP or Senate candidates are suspended or disqualified.

Other topics on political reform not scrutinised so much include power decentralisation to local communities, promoting public participation in selecting and examining holders of political offices, and the designing of parties' policies.

Other proposals were new drafters for the charter, the development of real political institutions, disapproval of the staging of coups and opposition to coup makers' powers.

Senator Lertrat Ratanavanich, outspoken chairman of the panel studying charter amendment, reminded committee members constantly the committee had no power by itself - but had to propose changes that could help bring reconciliation.

That was why the committee avoided resolutions on highly controversial issues like Article 309 - the amnesty for coup makers - or making Buddhism the national religion.

The committee finished its studies last week. House Speaker Chai Chidchob and Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva will be briefed and receive its report on July 16.

A ceremony was planned as committee members had wanted to make sure their voices would be heard.

However, more important processes have yet to happen. The committee has to wait and see to what proposals are accepted, implemented, and what effect they may have on national reconciliation, Thai society and politics, and finally, how their moves might lift people's trust in politicians.

-- The Nation 2009-06-26

[Plus]

If the Dems back it, it will get support in their areas

I don't think dems will back it in the name of "reconciliation". After Songkran riots PTP hasn't got any ammunition left to make "reconciliation" a priority. Red rallies are starting up a bit too early to link them to reconciliation, they'd piss everione off long before Abhisit rejects the draft and gives them a valid reason to protest.

Street rioting is PTP's only tool.

[sriracha john]

Poll finds Northeast in favour of amnesty

A sampling of voters in the Northeast has found most support an amnesty for corrupt politicians while those in the South are decidedly against such a move.

In an Abac Poll of 4,102 households across 17 provinces from July 3-11, six in 10 of respondents in the Northeast said politicians being punished for corruption should be given an amnesty. In the South, eight in 10 thought the politicians should serve their full punishment.

In Bangkok, slightly less than half, 48%, said corrupt politicians should be granted an amnesty, while across all 17 provinces, 54% opposed an amnesty.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/local/2014...vour-of-amnesty

-- Bangkok Post 2009-07-13

Edited July 13, 2009 by sriracha john

[sriracha john]

More than half of Thais disagree with pardoning politicians in corruption cases

BANGKOK, 12 July 2009 (NNT) – ABAC Poll reveals more than half of Thai people disagree to the pardoning of politicians in corruption cases, but 60% of northeastern people agree to the proposal.

ABAC Poll Director Mr Noppadon Kannikar revealed the survey results from those aged 18 and older in 17 provinces, among 4,102 households during July 3 to 11, 2009.

It found that more than half of people or about 54.5% disagreed with the pardon for corruption related politicians, however a large number of respondents agreed to pardon these politicians at 45.5%. When classified into careers, more than half of jobless people or about 54% agreed with the amnesty for corrupted politicians, while people whose income was lower than 5,000 baht also agreed at 54.6%.

Surprisingly, in terms of region, about 60% of northeastern region people agreed with the pardon, while 48.5% of people in Bangkok agreed with the issue. But 80.6% of southern people disagree with the idea.

The Director said that the Thai society should expeditiously adjust attitude of the Thai people regardless of age, career, education, income, and region, to refuse politicians, who were charged in corruption cases.

-- NNT 2009-07-12

[sriracha john]

Reconciliation Committee concludes 6 key issues for charter rewrite

BANGKOK, 14 July 2009 (NNT) - The Reconciliation Committee for Political Reform and Constitution Amendment has concluded a total of 6 key points for the charter amendment in order to reduce political conflicts.

The Reconciliation Committee chaired by Senator Direk Thuengfung has compiled a 50-page report of its work conclusions, which will be submitted to House Speaker Chai Chidchob and Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva on 16 July.

The 6 key components for reducing conflicts and restoring unity in the nation are related to the dissolution of political parties and revocation of electoral rights of party leaders and executives, the origin of MPs, the origin of Senators, the requirement of the House’s approval of all agreement documents, the MPs’ holding of political positions and the contributions of MPs and Senators towards solving people's problems.

The committee reported that the formation of the Constitution Drafting Assembly within one year was required for the charter rewrite as stipulated in the Constitution Article 291.

-- NNT 2009-07-14

[sriracha john]

Six key issues for charter rewrite: Parliamentary committee on reconciliation

The parliamentary committee on reconciliation has completed its report recommending for the charter rewrite with emphasis on six key issues.

The report is expected to be forwarded to Parliament President Chai Chidchob and Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva on Thursday, Committee Chairman Senator Direk Tuengfung said on Tuesday.

The committee has also recommended for the formation of the Constitution Drafting Assembly to take charge of charter amendments.

The six issues to be reviewed in the rewriting are related to the followings:

1. The penalties for electoral fraud by the party dissolution and the five-year ban of party executives from the electoral process.

2. The electoral system of multi-seat constituency for MPs.

3. The mixed system of appointed and elected Senators.

4. The mandatory parliamentary scrutiny on international agreements.

5. The ban for MPs to hold political office in the government.

6. The procedures for MPs and Senators to get involved in addressing the people's grievances.

-- The Nation 2009-07-15

[sriracha john]

Panel advocates charter reform

The panel on political reform and charter amendment has proposed changes to six areas of the 2007 constitution, including repealing the five-year ban on certain politicians.

The panel, chaired by Nonthaburi Senator Direk Thungfang, will submit its report to House Speaker Chai Chidchob and Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva on Thursday.

The six areas the panel said were causes of social division and political conflict are: the dissolution of political parties and the banning of their executives from politics; the procedure for becoming an MP; that for becoming a senator; treaties that require parliamentary endorsement; the appointment of MPs; and MPs and senators' authority in helping solve the people's problems.

Mr Direk said the panel also proposed a study of how political reconciliation in Thailand could be achieved.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/politics/2...-charter-reform

-- Bangkok Post 2009-07-15

[hammered]

Panel advocates charter reform

The panel on political reform and charter amendment has proposed changes to six areas of the 2007 constitution, including repealing the five-year ban on certain politicians.

The panel, chaired by Nonthaburi Senator Direk Thungfang, will submit its report to House Speaker Chai Chidchob and Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva on Thursday.

The six areas the panel said were causes of social division and political conflict are: the dissolution of political parties and the banning of their executives from politics; the procedure for becoming an MP; that for becoming a senator; treaties that require parliamentary endorsement; the appointment of MPs; and MPs and senators' authority in helping solve the people's problems.

Mr Direk said the panel also proposed a study of how political reconciliation in Thailand could be achieved.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/politics/2...-charter-reform

-- Bangkok Post 2009-07-15

While it is fair to say the six areas are cause of poltical conflict, it certainly seems a stretch to say they are the cause of social division. Social division is a lot more about economic realities and distruibution of wealth mixed in with traditional regional dislikes, and admittedly fired up by politicans and chancers annoyed at other things.

Anyway this approach is better than seizing ariports or threatening to immolate working class neghborhoods. It probably wont anywhere though as that means compromising.

[sriracha john]

Reconciliation Committee Suggests 6 Key Issues for Charter Amendments

The reconciliation committee for political reform and charter amendment has completed its report recommending a charter rewrite; with emphasis on the amendment of six key issues, and suggested minimizing political conflicts through disseminating knowledge and social consciousness on democracy.

The reconciliation committee for political reform and charter amendment, led by Nonthaburi Senator Direk Tuengfung, has completed its report and is expected to submit it to Parliament President Chai Chidchob and Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva on July 16.

The committee concluded that some of the political conflicts have stemmed from provisions in the Constitution. They explained that amending the charter is in an effort to lessen political conflicts, which would lead to reconciliation and political reform.

The six issues to be revised during the one year rewriting period are--- amending the penalties for electoral fraud which mandate that the party be dissolved and the five-year ban of party executives from the electoral process, according to article 237; the issues concerning members of the parliament stated in articles 93 to 98; the system of appointed and elected senators in articles 111 to121; the mandatory act in obtaining parliamentary agreement on issuing foreign contracts stated in article 190; the issue of MPs holding political positions in the government in article 265, and the procedures for MPs and senators to address people's complaints as stated in article 266.

The committee also recommended that an academic organization be set up to inform and disseminate knowledge concerning democracy through the educational system and researches, in order to cultivate social consciousness about democracy to the public within three years.

In the long-run, they also proposed the the formation of the parliamentary committee as a special body to stress political reconciliation within five years.

-- Tan Network 2009-07-15

[sriracha john]

PM considering suggestions of National Reconciliation Committee

BANGKOK, 20 July 2009 (NNT) – The Prime Minister is looking into suggestions on how to reduce the country’s political conflict and restore unity in the nation.

he Prime Minister is closely considering key points and solutions for the country’s political problems, which were submitted by the Reconciliation Committee for Political Reform and Constitution Amendment, said Mr. Thepthai.

He added that the government had to listen to the opinions of the people from all sides on the issue as there were opinions both agreeing and disagreeing with the suggestions. He, therefore, suggested that the referendum be erected to hear the people’s opinions on whether the 2007 Constitution should be amended and which parts should be adjusted.

Mr. Abhisit's most recent visit to Buri Ram received a warm welcome and significant positive feedback from the local residents of the northeastern province. Visits to other provinces are also being planned in the near future.

-- NNT 2009-07-20

[sriracha john]

Opposition to push charter change

The government was turning a blind eye to proposals made by the parliamentary committee on reconciliation, political reform and constitutional amendment, Opposition Chief Whip Withaya Buranasiri said on Wednesday. The committee has proposed amendments to constitutional provisions involving party dissolutions, the election of MPs and Senators, and the holding of political positions by MPs.

The committee has also proposed promulgation of a law on reconciliation, which was seen by some Senators as a pretext to granting an amnesty to banned politicians. Withaya said although the committee has submitted its full report the government has not taken any action, but tried to buy time by saying that it was necessary to listen to more opinions from many other groups of people.

The opposition would seek an explanation from the government when parliament reconvenes on Aug 1 and push for constitutional amendments as recommended by the committee, he said.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/breakingnews/14...charter-changes

-- Bangkok Post 2009-07-22

[hammered]

So the PM and speaker have had the report for less than a week to study and are seen as doing nothing. I also dont understnd why anyone who believes in democracy wouldnt want to canvass opinions from the people especially with the country so divided.

It really would help if the leite on all sides ditched their agendas and diod something for the rest for just once.

What is the big rush? Getting it right is more important?

[sriracha john]

Reconciliation Committee: Charter amendment recommendations will reach Parliament

BANGKOK, 25 July 2009 (NNT) – The Reconciliation Committee is optimistic the Prime Minister will include the committee's 6 recommendations for constitutional amendment in the agenda of the Parliament’s new legislative session.

Chairman of the Reconciliation Committee, Direk Tuengfang, stated today that Mr. Abhisit had previously spoken informally that he would carry out the recommendations of the Reconciliation Committee as soon as possible.

He said the committee believed that its suggestions would enter the legislative session scheduled to begin on 1 August.

On comments by Whip Chairman, Chinaworn Boonyakriat, to establish a permanent Reconciliation Committee, Mr. Direk expressed an adamant rebuttal, saying such an act would reflect poorly on the government. He said the set up of a permanent committee would also create the impression that his panel was trying to buy time. He instead suggested the PM and the administration firmly take needed steps to dispel conflict.

-- NNT 2009-07-25

[sriracha john]

Suthep denies Democrat against charter amendments

Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban Monday denied that the Democrat Party is against amending the Constitution.

Suthep, the Democrat Secretary-General, said his Party has not yet officially discussed the issue.

"But from my personal stand, I think the public should be allowed to take part in decision making over all points of charter amendments," Suthep said.

-- The Nation 2009-07-27

[sriracha john]

Thailand may hold referendum on amnesty for banned politicians

THAILAND’S government is considering holding a referendum on an amnesty for banned politicians before elections next year, in an effort to appease opposition groups and restore Thailand’s battered image as a stable democracy.

Thai deputy prime minister Korbsak Sabhavasu said the amnesty would focus on overturning a five-year ban on 220 deputies, many of whom are loyal to former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, who was deposed in a 2006 coup.

The efforts to restore political credibility come as the southeast Asian country tries to fight its way out of recession. However, any amnesty would not include Thaksin himself as he is charged with a crime.

The popular former leader fled Thailand last year before a court sentenced him to two years in prison on corruption charges. He claimed the trial was unfair.

Establishing the legitimacy of elections is crucial if there is to be political stability in Thailand. The country has had five prime ministers in the past three years as rival groups failed to agree on how elections should be run.

Thai prime minister Abhisit Vejjajiva set up a multiparty reconciliation panel to draft constitutional changes after the protests, which saw Thaksin supporters clash with police and soldiers, resulting in a number of deaths.

“The big major issues that could not be agreed would go for a referendum,” Mr Korbsak told Bloomberg TV. “Once that’s done, we start the process of changing the constitution.”

A poll in the Bangkok Post newspaper showed that voters in the northeast supported an amnesty for corrupt politicians while those in the south were markedly against one.

Among the politicians banned are former prime ministers Samak Sundaravej, Somchai Wongsawat, and Banharn Silpa-Archa, as well as many former ministers and parliamentarians.

- Irish Times / 2009-07-29

[sriracha john]

Chaturon suggests charter amendment for reconciliation

BANGKOK, 9 August 2009 (NNT) – Former Acting Thai Rak Thai Party Leader Chaturon Chaisaeng has suggested that the Constitution must be amended in order to restore reconciliation in the country although it is not the final solution to all problems.

Prior to opening a seminar on constitutional amendment and national reconciliation at Chulalongkorn University today, Chaturon stated that the Constitution must be amended since problems had originated from unfair legal provisions. He noted that the charter rewrite might not be the last answer, but it should be given the first priority, especially how it would be amended.

As for the bid of the United Front of Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) to seek Royal Pardon for ex-Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, Chaturon deemed that Thai people had been divided into two groups by the issue. He explained that the contradicting viewpoints among the people had already developed into personal conflicts and hence suggested that all sectors discussed how reconciliation could be established; otherwise, the problem could lead to fierce rifts in the nation.

-- NNT 2009-08-09

[Plus]

They should discuss it in parliament, then take to the referendum, with each point being voted on separately - fully elected Senate, amnesty, electoral zones and number of candidates change and so on.

[sriracha john]

House Speaker to Meet with Senate to Review Proposal by Reconciliation Committee

The House's Speaker will meet with the Upper House next week to review the suggestions made by the national reconciliation committee on the controversial charter revision.

House Speaker Chai Chidchob said he will meet with the Upper House next week to discuss the conclusions made by the parliamentary committee studying the guidelines for national reconciliation, charter amendment, and political reform.

Chai, however, declined to give anymore detail, saying the measures recommended by the committee must be reviewed carefully. After the Senate has reviewed the proposal, the matter will also be discussed with Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva.

Meanwhile, personal spokesman of the Democrat Party leader Thepthai Senpong said he disagrees with the proposal by the national reconciliation committee to revise 6 articles of the 2007 charter. He fears the proposed amendment may lead to a new round of political confrontations.

Thepthai confirmed that the Democrat Party is not attempting to delay the charter amendment to buy time and remain in office. However, he insisted that the party wants the amendment proposal to be reviewed carefully and for the charter rewrite to be implemented for the benefit of all Thais.

-- Tan Network 2009-08-10

[sriracha john]

Chart Thai Pattana Party: Amend Article 190 first

Chart Thai Pattana, a party in the coalition government, on Friday called for the Democrat Party to initiate an amendment to Article 190 of the 2007 constitution first before other articles, saying it has caused problems in the country's administration. Article 190 requires the government to seek approval from parliament before signing an agreement with another country.

Vachara Kannikar, the CTP Spokesman, said the article has caused administrative problems because it is not clear what kinds of agreements require approval from parliament. There should be a specific organic law for the government to deal with international agreeements, he said.

Mr Vachara said that he, as a Deputy Government Spokesman who attends every Cabinet meeting, has found that almost every matter related to other countries is unnecessarily required to get parliamentary approval. He said although the CTP wants to see many other articles in the constitution amended, including those involving MPs, Senators and political parties, it is of the opinion that what should be amended or revoked first is Article 190.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/breakingnews/15...ticle-190-first

-- Bangkok Post 2009-08-14

[sriracha john]

Speakers to meet on charter change

Senate Speaker Prasopsuk Boondej said on Saturday that he is ready to meet with House Speaker Chai Chidchob next week to discuss constitutional amendments.

Mr Prasopsuk said all six charter change recommendations by the parliamentary Committee for Reconciliation, Political Reform, and Constitution Amendment should be all tabled for consideration of the Parliament.

“It will not be suitable to cut off any of the six proposals as they were considered by the House’s panel”, the Senate Speaker stated.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/breakingnews/15...-charter-change

-- Bangkok Post 2009-08-15

[CarlYaz]

Thaksin's spokesman has some pretty strange ideas about amending the constitution, the coup, and the cause of the turmoil:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/breakingnews/15...olitical-crisis