Constitutional Reform - Public Opinion Required

[Jai Dee]

PEOPLE’S OPINION WILL BE GAUGED FOR CONSTITUTIONAL REFORM

The Campaign for Democracy organization prepares to mobilize public opinions on the second political reform, to boost genuine public participation in political affairs.

The Secretary-General of the Campaign for Democracy, Mr. Suriyasai Gatasila (สุริยะใส กตะศิลา), stated that in the past, discussions on political reforms are limited to just politician and academics’ circles, adding that the general public did not have a role or the opportunity to truly participate in the reform. He said that his organization, the Campaign for Democracy, wants to see widespread public participation in the second political reform. The organization has prepared a forum to mobilize public opinion on the issue on December 18 at Chulalongkorn University’s faculty of engineering.

Mr. Suriyasai said initial discussions have brought about many interesting agendas such as building strong public sector, the public participation in the government’s policies, and community rights. Currently, these issues are scattered in the Constitution, and they can be summed up into another section in the Constitution.

Mr. Suriyasai added that after the public forum next week, the organization will hold similar public discussions in various provinces across Thailand to find conclusions and submit the people’s views to the society.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 12 December 2005

[Jai Dee]

CURRENT CONSTITUTION SAID TO BE BETTER THAN PREVIOUS ONE

Members of the House of Representatives have agreed that despite the incompletion of the current Constitution and its inability to provide full driving force, it is still better than the previous Constitution.

A seminar titled "who gets what from the 8 years of the new constitution" was held yesterday. Former Justice Minister PONGTHEP THEPKANCHANA (พงษ์เทพ เทพกาญจนา) said there is no constitution which is able to provide 100% driving force, but the current constitution is considered better than the previous ones, as the public now plays a bigger role in helping the nation in making decisions, especially in the selection of the senators.

Democrat MP ALONGKORN POLABUT (อลงกรณ์ พลบุตร) said the amendment of the constitution is inevitable due to the existence of corruption and totalitarianism. He called for more public participation in solving various problems.

Many argued yesterday that the current constitution provides increased protection of the media, but that the Constitution Court has exercised more power than designated over the previous 5 years.

Source: thaisnews.com ประจำวันอาทิตย์ที่ 12 ธันวาคม 2548