Charter Amendment ' Not For One Man '

[Lite Beer]

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW

Charter amendment 'not for one man'

Chaniakarn Phumhiran,

Olan Lertrudtanadumrongkul,

Somroutai Sapsomboon

The Nation on Sunday

Varathep

BANGKOK: -- PM's Office Minister Varathep Ratanakorn is tasked with handling the controversial referendum on amending the Constitution before the third and final reading in Parliament on rewriting the charter. He spoke to The Nation on Sunday on the government's stance and insisted the move wasn't all for ousted and convicted former premier Thaksin Shinawatra.

Is the new idea of holding a referendum first a method to reduce conflict and enable things to proceed?

The decision to hold a referendum is not new. If you look at the stance of coalition parties which set up a working committee, the committee has listened to voices from all sides in a balanced way for the past three to four months and concurred that the best solution in amending the charter is to enable all sectors to participate. Carrying out a referendum will be used as a clear indicator as to whether voters want to see an amendment through a constitution drafting assembly or not.

Politically speaking, [the move] can be perceived as a measure to handle the situation and reduce conflict. The real intention of the government, particularly the prime minister, is to ensure a stable nation that can move forward. [The premier] referred to HM the King's speech on December 5, which stressed the importance of unity, which is what the government is adhering to in particular.

Will the government take the view of the Constitution Court into consideration in carrying out the referendum?

It is one of the factors. The 11-person working committee has thoroughly read every letter in the ruling of the Constitution Court. The court ruled that amending Article 291 of the charter is not akin to overthrowing the democratic system with HM as the head. It was, however, as if the court issued a temporary injunction and suggested that the third reading be deferred. Nothing in the ruling refers to a referendum but it was like the court suggested that in drafting a whole new constitution, the people should be consulted first, and this led to the referendum.

Given that the opposition has always opposed it, how confident is the government that the referendum will be a success and lead to [this mode of] charter amendment?

We are confident in the result of the referendum - that it shall be endorsed and enable us to proceed with the third reading. After that, it will be the duty of the charter drafting assembly (CDA) and no longer the responsibility of either the government or the parliament. As to whether the CDA will touch on the monarchy section of the charter or not, I insist that it is not possible because it was clearly stated in the current charter that the section is forbidden from being amended.

So the amendment will look into aspects of whether the current charter is not democratic or contrary to the rule of law. Good parts would be maintained, however. After all is done, another referendum shall be carried out. In reality, the government is not afraid of those who oppose the move. Some are reasonable and others oppose it no matter what.

However, if less than half of the total electorate takes part in the referendum, then the referendum won't be valid. We must see what the repercussions will be. I don't want people to think negatively because the fact that the government intends to hold a referendum before the third reading means it is confident that it will be endorsed.

Will the government be involved in campaigning for the public to take part in the referendum?

There are two organisations responsible for that. First, the Election Commission. Government agencies have the role to make people understand, abiding by the Royal Act on Referendums (2009) which stated that the government or politicians cannot persuade the people [how to vote].

How will the questions in the referendum be put?

It will be something like: there will be a drafting of a new charter, wherein Article 291 of the current charter must be amended before a CDA can be formed - and in details it will be stated that the CDA cannot touch the monarchy section of the charter - and that after a draft has been completed, it will be subjected to another referendum for [public] endorsement.

The question cannot go into all these details but it will cover the issues and we will explain to the people. So the question may be like: "Do you agree with the amendment of the charter through a constitution drafting assembly to draft a new charter?"

The government sees a constitution drafting assembly as the best way to rewrite the charter?

Yes, it enables the people, who are the holders of national sovereignty, to be able to express themselves fully in the amendment process. And once it passes [a second referendum], the draft can be presented to HM the King for endorsement.

Many groups think article 309 will be removed in order to assist Thaksin Shinawatra.

That's not possible because it would be up to the constitution drafting assembly. The government can't meddle. It will be up to the people to balance the power of the drafting assembly.

Today, those opposite the government try to say everything is being done to help a single man, or for one government, for Thaksin. That's not the case because amending the charter is about setting up a structure of democratic governance.

No constitution is written for one man.

-- The Nation 2012-12-16

[LuckyLew]

"Politically speaking, [the move] can be perceived as a measure to handle the situation and reduce conflict. The real intention of the government, particularly the prime minister, is to ensure a stable nation that can move forward. [The premier]"

If this guy gets a get out of free card and returns to Thailand with no jail sentence,

the last thing the Prime Minister will get is a stable nation

El-crapo will really hit the fan

[Ricardo]

And in related news, it was revealed that bears don't always make their toilet-arrangements, in wooded-areas !

[noitom]

This thing must be like spaghetti all intertwined, overlapping, knotted, and dangling from the edges. The "amended charter" proposal they say. This amending process has been going on since 1932 and they still have no law and order, no due process, no equality before the law, and no freedom of speech without selectivity.

[culicine]

No it's not for JUST one man, but includes the most controversial one. If it really benefits thousands, perhaps we can just eliminate Thaksin from the process then everyone will be happy. After all, he is just one minion among thousands. The other problem for the red shirts, is that they will need to drop charges for everyone, including any possible charges for those 90 deaths during the riots. The amendment is just a continuation of a vicious cycle of elections, corruption, protests, killings, coups...the democratic way forward is to jail ALL those involved.....so Yingluck better get her brother back and jail him. He can join the cell with Suthep and co. Otherwise nothing will change in this country for the foreseeable future.

[chainarong]

The Government cannot meddle, sure and pigs will fly , as Lucky Lou's stated, the sh!!t will hit the fan if the big brother returns, risk assessment would indicate that Thaskin would cause big problems, I am surprised they continue on this track, as he's probable survival only exists while he stays way .

[AleG]

The funny thing is how they never say exactly what, how and why they want to change in the current constitution.

[Thait Spot]

Who, in their right mind, would allow this administration to hold the keys to the crown jewels?

[siampolee]

Who, in their right mind, would allow this administration to hold the keys to the crown jewels?

The last 6 words in the quote above succinctly defines Thaksins ultimate aim.

That's what his sister, his family and all their other brown nosing acolyte who are currently padding out this current maladministration are aiming for on behalf of their puppet master.

The tactics of altering the course of justice with the aim of the total destruction of what little democracy that exists here in Thailand are all for one person, it's not for the man and the woman in the street and their benefit.

This proposed charter change is to strengthen one megalomaniacs dreams and aims.

[ratcatcher]

No it's not for JUST one man, but includes the most controversial one. If it really benefits thousands, perhaps we can just eliminate Thaksin from the process then everyone will be happy. After all, he is just one minion among thousands. The other problem for the red shirts, is that they will need to drop charges for everyone, including any possible charges for those 90 deaths during the riots. The amendment is just a continuation of a vicious cycle of elections, corruption, protests, killings, coups...the democratic way forward is to jail ALL those involved.....so Yingluck better get her brother back and jail him. He can join the cell with Suthep and co. Otherwise nothing will change in this country for the foreseeable future.

"perhaps we can just eliminate Thaksin..................."

Perhaps.

[ramrod711]

I like the idea of a referendum, if the PAD decide not to participate, as they did in the last election, too bad. Thailand needs to speak on this issue, settle it one way or another, and move on. I don't like the idea of Thaksin coming back, I think he's slime, but if the people want it, get on with it. In a democracy, you get the government you deserve.

[dcutman]

Is it possible, when drafting the 18th edition. That they put a mandatory charter rewrite every four year clause in there. That way there is no hard feelings on either side.

It is obvious after this many try's at it, neither side will be happy, just take all the bullshit out of it and just make it mandatory.

[Jingthing]

This one is too easy. If they're making a "thing" about how it's not for one man, you can bet the house it's for one man. Sorry for the Thais who hope for better.

Edited December 16, 2012 by Jingthing

[chainarong]

No it's not for JUST one man, but includes the most controversial one. If it really benefits thousands, perhaps we can just eliminate Thaksin from the process then everyone will be happy. After all, he is just one minion among thousands. The other problem for the red shirts, is that they will need to drop charges for everyone, including any possible charges for those 90 deaths during the riots. The amendment is just a continuation of a vicious cycle of elections, corruption, protests, killings, coups...the democratic way forward is to jail ALL those involved.....so Yingluck better get her brother back and jail him. He can join the cell with Suthep and co. Otherwise nothing will change in this country for the foreseeable future.

"perhaps we can just eliminate Thaksin...................

Perhaps.

This is a possibility, the government and the Shincorp family are delusioned and in La La land to think that this subject hasn't been talked about over a few beers, in some backyards, in Thai.

[scorecard]

I like the idea of a referendum, if the PAD decide not to participate, as they did in the last election, too bad. Thailand needs to speak on this issue, settle it one way or another, and move on. I don't like the idea of Thaksin coming back, I think he's slime, but if the people want it, get on with it. In a democracy, you get the government you deserve.

Sure:

- As long as the Election Commission demands that there be numerous multi pronged open and transparent education campaigns before the referendum, conducted by a range of credible institutions, and including public moderated debate events with public participation. (None of that likely to happen in reality.)

- As long as the Election Commission goes all out to find vote buying / vote manipulation and goes for the most serious punishment possible against transgressors. (None of thatlikely to happen in reality.)

- As long as pre referendum campaigns / 'education' campaigns conducted by political parties / local politicians / village headmen are required by law to be open and monitored (recorded for scrutiny), participants must receive hand out literate which is vetter by the Election Commission beforehand. (None of thatlikely to happen in reality.)

[OzMick]

Only in a red shirt version of democracy is guilt or innocence decided by a popularity contest. In the real democracies, the courts are independent, and criminals are answerable for their crimes.

[Thait Spot]

Charter amendments not for one man huh?

The amnesty of the few outweighs the integrity of the many?

Republicans passing themselves as royalists combined with capitalists passing themselves as socialists mixed with rapers of the country masquerading as latter day saints?

What a shambles

[maidu]

If you want to know what PT or Thaksin really believe, then take their statements and turn them inside out and backwards. If a PT propaganda spokesman says, "this is not just for one man." then you're safe in interpreting the meaning as; "this is just for one man."

What or who else could it be for? It's not for some pie-in-the-sky concept of democracy. PT wouldn't know real democratic principles if they came up an bit 'em on the you-know-what.

[looping]

Thaksin could have served his jail term by now, apologised for his actions and he'd have been (largely) forgiven. However, the mans ego is his worst enemy and I'm sure he will continue to divide the country until his dying breath.

[dru2]

Would you buy a used car from Varathep? Look at that face....

[ridkun]

It's easy to know if it's one man or not. Let's say if that 'one man' got shot dead tomorrow, would they continue trying to make the amendment or not?

[waza]

It's easy to know if it's one man or not. Let's say if that 'one man' got shot dead tomorrow, would they continue trying to make the amendment or not?

The real question is, If the didnt make this amendment what would the effect be? If it aint broke dont fix it.

[MAJIC]

Ooooooh! please stop this nonsense,even the Soi Dogs know it's only about one man,always has been,and nothing is going to change! you can put your life on the fact,this Charter Amendment is going nowhere,unless Thaksin gets his very own get out of Jail Free Card...............end of story!

[maidu]

Thaksin could have served his jail term by now, apologised for his actions and he'd have been (largely) forgiven. However, the mans ego is his worst enemy and I'm sure he will continue to divide the country until his dying breath.

He's culturally and genetically incapable of apologizing for anything. By doing so, he thinks that would indicate he has a flaw (It's a Chinese thing. Have you ever known a Chinese headman to ever admit he made a mistake about anything?) That can't be done. His minions must continue to believe that he is essentially all-wise, and flawless - otherwise the veneer might crack and all might be revealed.

[hellodolly]

Well why would there be an amendment in the charter to white wash corruption. If they would come out and say this will not white wash any existing criminal they might have a chance. To white wash Thaksin is to put the seal of approval on corruption.

They go on to say

"After all is done, another referendum shall be carried out. In reality, the government is not afraid of those who oppose the move. Some are reasonable and others oppose it no matter what."

I wonder if there is any PT members who will vote against it. We know the red shirts will vote for it.

[Bagwan]

It's easy to know if it's one man or not. Let's say if that 'one man' got shot dead tomorrow, would they continue trying to make the amendment or not?

Given the ham fisted attempts at solving the crisis in the South, and its terible consequences, I'd be surprised if 'one man' wasn't on some Moslem fanatic's hit list. What might follow if this were true and successfully caried out does not bear thinking about.

Edited December 17, 2012 by Bagwan

[Skywalker69]

No constitution is written for one man.

Another white lie.

[muttley]

No constitution is written for one man.

Another white lie.

OK I'll call you - Which constitution has or is been written for one man, and how?

[Thait Spot]

No constitution is written for one man.

Another white lie.

OK I'll call you - Which constitution has or is been written for one man, and how?

There are some that call it the "reconciliation bill". Some were stupid enough to believe that.

Some call it the "charter change" and huff and puff about how those responsible for the coup whitewashed themselves and should be brought to justice. The very same camp wants to grant the same coup leaders amnesty because by doing that, they can throw in a pardoned Thanks in for free.

Then there are those who were gifted with the eyes to see and the intelligence to comprehend who know that PTP's existence hinges on one man. A criminal on the run, who will stop at nothing to have his crimes unjustly erased and will spill as much blood as it takes to return Thailand to 2006

Sent from my Nexus 7 using Thaivisa Connect App

[AleG]

This one is too easy. If they're making a "thing" about how it's not for one man, you can bet the house it's for one man. Sorry for the Thais who hope for better.

Also known as The Nopadon Principle, after Thaksin's laweyer.