Mixed reaction to NRC members chosen for CDC

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CHARTER DRAFTERS
Mixed reaction to NRC members chosen for CDC
KRIS BHROMSUTHI,
NAWAKHUN MANTHATI
THE NATION



Two academics reacted differently to the 20 out of 36 charter drafters selected by the National Reform Council (NRC), hinting at an ongoing disagreement on the drafting of the new constitution.

BANGKOK: -- Sirote Klampaiboon, an independent political scientist, said the newly chosen members of the Constitution Drafting Committee (CDC) can be categorised in four groups: former military generals, former members of the Group of 40, academics from King Prajadhipok's Institute and NGOs who have close ties with the 2006 coup-makers

He questioned the credibility of the newly selected CDC members, saying: "Many of the names in the list are not very well known. I have been following politics for over 20 years and I still do not know many of them, and this makes me wonder who do they really represent?"

"There are more credible and better-known candidates who deserve to be CDC members," he pointed out.

Sirote explained that the list demonstrated a lack of credibility and all-round inclusion. Furthermore, the list included members who have similar political viewpoints, which means those with opposing ideas would not be represented in the CDC. "This can create public mistrust in the new charter. They may consider it illegitimate, even in comparison to the 2007 post-coup Constitution," he said.

However, Prof Surichai Wankaew, director of the Peace and Conflicts Study Centre University, disagreed, saying the 20 NRC members chosen to be part of CDC would help improve the political situation as they had been selected for their neutral stance towards the ongoing political conflict.

He added that the national reform process would be a lot more effective if the NRC was open to outsiders joining the CDC.

The 20 NRC members chosen to help draft the charter include:

Choochai Supawongse, ex-secretary-general of the National Human Rights Commission;

Paiboon Nititawan, former member of the Group of 40 senators;

Pracha Taerat, former deputy permanent secretary of the Interior Ministry;

Thawilwadee Bureekul, director of Research and Development Office, King Prajadhipok's Institute (KPI);

Somsook Boonyabancha, former director of Community Organisation Development Institute;

Cherdchai Wongseree, former Phuket senator candidate;

Lt-General Nakorn Sukprasert, former provincial Army commander for Roi Et;

Jumphol Sukhmon, former election commissioner for Lampang province;

Nareewan Chintakanond, former appointed senator and former vice president of the National Institute of Development Administration;

Supatra Nacapew, director of Centre for the Protection of the Rights of People with HIV/Aids; Buntoon Srethasirote, director of Thammarat Institute for Social and Environmental Development

Lt-General Navin Damrigan, deputy former director of the Office of Science and Technology, Defence Ministry;

Anek Laothamatas, former political science dean at Thammasat University;

Kamnoon Sidhisamarn, former member of the Group of 40;

Charas Suwanmala, former political science dean at Chulalongkorn University;

Woothisarn Tanchai, deputy secretary-general of KPI and former 2007 Constitution drafter

Thicha na Nakorn, feminist and children's rights activist

Mechai Viravaidya, former PM's Office Minister

General Lertrat Ratanavanich, former deputy Army Chief

Manich Sooksomchitra, veteran journalist and ex-2007 charter drafter

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/politics/Mixed-reaction-to-NRC-members-chosen-for-CDC-30246566.html


-- The Nation 2014-10-30

[Mango Bob]

I wouldn't worry to much about who writes the new constitution. Within the next 10 years they will have to rewrite it again after the next coup.

[EnzoRippo]

Strange article. It's like these guys forget there was a coup d'état. The charter drafters are not chosen to think but to endorse. Of course they are dumb and this is their best asset.

[NongKhaiKid]

All that's going on these days is a sad Thai version of the old television comedy ' All In The Family '.

[smutcakes]

round and round in circles we go.Do these army generals and advisors never learn from mistakes? YAWN

[EnglishJohn]

I wonder if many share my opinion that Prayuth made a good start in trying to bring Thailand into the modern world, but once the normal Thai politicians get involved it will all turn back into the same old sh!t.

Nothing will change until Thai society produces people who will only accept politicians with a least a little bit of honour and just the odd ethic - which means not in my lifetime. Politicians are corrupt the world over - but they are forced to behave if they know the public will force them out if they are not serving them as they should. Yingluck is an excellent example : people in a Western country would never tolerate such a blatant puppet just because she had a nice smile. Chalerm would have gone to prison so long ago, I would never have even heard of him.

[Eric Loh]

You can change the charter but you can't change the people's mind. They know what going on in the CDC and the outcome. Ultimately, election will come and the people wish will be expressed no matter how much of this right will be taken away with the new charter.

[rickirs]

A lot of wasted talk about the credibility of the CDC. The die is already cast and the NCPO is no doubt unconcerned with CDC's or its own creditability - it's just all show anyways. With absolute power the NCPO will assure the final draft is what it wants to see before going forward for royal endorsement.

"The interim charter does not require that a public referendum be held to determine whether the majority of Thais endorse the draft constitution. However, many people are calling for a plebiscite to ensure legitimacy for a new charter, as was the case of the Constitution that followed the last coup, which was in 2006."

"... the NCPO still does not believe a referendum is necessary, adding that this could hinder Thailand's move forward."

"If the junta really took over to help the country and promote reconciliation, then it should follow people's desires. If people want a referendum, then it should be held."

As Gen. Prayut said, the military has learned its lessons from prior coups. This time the constitution is for keeps.

[andrewrooney]

This is, in effect, another rubber-stamp committee anyhow. Who's on it isn't particularly relevant.