Thai Charter Review: Coalition Backing For Referendum

CHARTER REVIEW

Coalition backing for referendum

The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Coalition partners are expected to back the idea of holding a public referendum before the third reading of the charter-amendment bill, PM's Office Minister Varathep Ratanakorn said yesterday.

He was speaking to reporters after Pheu Thai MPs and core members of the party held a meeting to discuss the amendment of Article 291 so a new constitution drafting assembly can be formed.

Earlier, the Cabinet resolved to hold a public referendum before deliberating on the charter-amendment bill in the third reading. Varathep said coalition partners would be meeting today at SC Park Hotel to discuss the charter amendment.

The minister said he had sounded out representatives of coalition parties and learned that they support holding a referendum before the third reading.

After the coalition formally endorses a referendum, the Cabinet will be asked in a week or two to push the endorsement through.

"The holding of a referendum will not further delay the third reading of the amendment, nor will it violate the intention of coalition partners to campaign for public support before the third reading," Varathep explained. "It is expected that the third reading will be conducted in the latter part of the next parliamentary session."

Chief coalition whip Udomdej Ratanasathien said the Cabinet would have to approve the referendum and announce it in the Royal Gazette, before the Election Commission spends 90 days holding the referendum.

Udomdej said the referendum should be completed before the next parliamentary session ends in late April. The session kicks off on December 21.

Industry Minister Prasert Boonchaisuk, secretary-general of the Chart Pattana Party, said his party supported charter amendments as well as the holding of a referendum. However, he said, coalition parties should have their MPs visit their constituents and explain the need to amend the charter as they campaign for the referendum.

-- The Nation 2012-12-14