Thai Charter drafters 'colour blind'

[webfact]

CDC
Charter drafters 'colour blind'
Jeerapong Prasertpolkrung,
Nitipol Kiravanich
THE NATION



Deputy PM says 36 members of CDC picked for experience not political leaning

BANGKOK: -- Wissanu Krea-ngam, deputy prime minister and the junta's key legal adviser, came out yesterday to defend the political neutrality of the newly selected constitution drafters, saying that the Constitution Drafting Committee (CDC) was "colour blind" because it consisted of all colour-coded political factions.

The deputy PM said emphasis was not put on members' "political colour", but rather their varied capabilities and what each member would bring to the table.

The 36 charter drafters were named yesterday, five months after the coup.

Despite the claim of political neutrality, many charter drafters could be considered as people who empathise with the People's Democratic Reform Committee, the anti-Thaksin movement that played a key role in the events leading up to the military ousting of the Pheu Thai administration headed by Thaksin's sister Yingluck.

Some of them took to the PDRC rally stage, for example - Pakorn Priyakorn, Paiboon Nititawan, Charas Suwanmala, Choochai Supawongse and Banjerd Singkaneti.

Charoon Intajarn, a former president of the Constitutional Court, had voted for the dissolution of the Thaksin-linked People's Power Party.

Wissanu also stated that Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-o-cha had handpicked six charter drafters, including the newly appointed president of the drafter's council, Borwornsak Uwanno, under the junta's quota.

Prayut said the selection process had conformed with procedure, and pointed out that Borwornsak was chosen because of his ability.

Wissanu said all the charter drafters possess a certain degree of seniority and knowledge, hence they would work together, rather than with certain individuals dictating proceedings.

'Wide range of expertise'

The deputy PM, meanwhile, said the charter drafters collectively possessed a wide range of expertise.

By way of example, he pointed to the professional background of Krit Kraichitti, an international legal expert who is former director-general of the Foreign Ministry's Treaties and Legal Affairs Department, and Wichai Thittapakdee, who is an economics and business expert.

Wissanu also pointed to Krasae Chanawongse, who is an experienced and "good politician", while Jade Donavanik is an up-and-coming academic, who is relatively young and vigorous.

Jade, dean of the Faculty of Law at Dhurakij Pundit University, yesterday revealed his reform idea that Article 35 of the provisional charter was just a framework for a new constitution, and that the latter could therefore amend some of the wording in the former.

Article 35 of the provisional charter outlines a 10-point framework for a new permanent constitution. Some consider this framework to be a mechanism designed to curb or eradicate political influence from political factions affiliated to former PM Thaksin Shinawatra, who is currently in self-imposed exile.

Kamnoon Sidhisamarn, a newly appointed CDC member, expressed the view that decentralisation was necessary for the country, and that the "monopoly system" should be changed and the Kingdom's democratic structure reformed.

"Thailand must eradicate the monopoly system, which is a fundamental problem in the system, scrutinise the access process of politicians, and also get rid of corruption," said Kamnoon, who is also a member of the National Reform Council.

He said that looking back over the past 10 or 20 years of political disputes, the crises emerged under politicians who abused their power and were supported by their financiers.

The problem with the political system is that Thailand is the only country in which state politicians must be members of parties, he added.

He believes financiers have a great influence on the political parties, funding them behind the curtains, and are in control of party members, leading to government budgets being abused by those financiers, as well.

"It seems like politicians are members of a political company," he said.

The CDC member also said the country needed to focus more on decentralisation, as strengthening local administration could be one solution in reforming Thailand's democratic structure.

'Need to strengthen local bodies'

"During the history of the democratic system in Thailand, we have only changed the person who governs the country, and the main authority is only held in Bangkok - and is then spread to local and provincial areas. The country therefore needs to change its structure to strengthen local administrations through decentralisation," he explained.

When asked if he expected anything from the reform process and the constitution that would be drafted shortly, Kamnoon said that expectation was an important force pushing for reform. CDC members have to be determined in their tasks, and must believe that this will help move the country forward, he added.

Meanwhile, he said the new charter was unique in the sense that it would be drafted in accordance with Article 35 of the interim charter, which would create new dimensions and perspectives in drafting the law.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/politics/Charter-drafters-colour-blind-30246998.html


-- The Nation 2014-11-05

[NongKhaiKid]

Is anyone or any organisation in Thailand truly independent or neutral ?

The way things work it's difficult to get anywhere without patronage, being connected etc. and there's no such thing as a free lunch.

The current crop of assemblies, committees etc and the membership are no different and will vote accordingly.

[ATF]

The Political System will not change unless the vote buying stops. Landless peasants should not be allowed to vote. Homeless people are not allowed to vote in Western Countries.

An imperfect solution would be to only allow land and property owners the vote. They wouldn't be susceptible to vote buying.

[Mango Bob]

<script type='text/javascript'>window.mod_pagespeed_start = Number(new Date());</script>

The Political System will not change unless the vote buying stops. Landless peasants should not be allowed to vote. Homeless people are not allowed to vote in Western Countries.

An imperfect solution would be to only allow land and property owners the vote. They wouldn't be susceptible to vote buying.

people like you worry me. you shouldn't be allowed to live on this planet.

[ATF]

<script type='text/javascript'>window.mod_pagespeed_start = Number(new Date());</script>

The Political System will not change unless the vote buying stops. Landless peasants should not be allowed to vote. Homeless people are not allowed to vote in Western Countries.

An imperfect solution would be to only allow land and property owners the vote. They wouldn't be susceptible to vote buying.

people like you worry me. you shouldn't be allowed to live on this planet.

I understand how you feel but this is the way Western Democracy evolved. Firstly only landowners were allowed the vote and people valued their vote once they got it.

How many women died to get the right to vote?

[noitom]

Notice they used the expression "hand picked" all the time. Thais are always "hand picked." They are rarely if ever intellectually and leadership qualified. But the junta likes them.

[WitawatWatawit]

<script type='text/javascript'>window.mod_pagespeed_start = Number(new Date());</script>

The Political System will not change unless the vote buying stops. Landless peasants should not be allowed to vote. Homeless people are not allowed to vote in Western Countries.

An imperfect solution would be to only allow land and property owners the vote. They wouldn't be susceptible to vote buying.

people like you worry me. you shouldn't be allowed to live on this planet.

I understand how you feel but this is the way Western Democracy evolved. Firstly only landowners were allowed the vote and people valued their vote once they got it.

How many women died to get the right to vote?

Disenfranchise people and you create an underclass full of resentment - Strange that you should promote such a backward step. I have a sense of this resentment because I have paid taxes here for 25 years, own property and have a life investment, yet can't vote (you should not have to be naturalised to do so - I wasn't in Australia, yet could vote).

[fab4]

the Constitution Drafting Committee (CDC) was "colour blind" because it consisted of all colour-coded political factions

An "interesting" take on the situation, putting it very mildly..............................

[fab4]

Meanwhile, he said the new charter was unique in the sense that it would be drafted in accordance with Article 35 of the interim charter, which would create new dimensions and perspectives in drafting the law.

Yes, it certainly will be unique, again putting it very mildly. Interm Constitution Article 35 has this to say;

"That the form of administration is a democratic regime of government with the King as Head of State which is appropriate for Thai society"

and who gets to decide what is an appropriate form of democracy for Thai society? Why, our old friends, the junta appointed Charter Drafters. And just what is an appropriate form of democracy for Thai society - one that doesn't include people who are not of the "right" mentality, one would hazard a guess..........................

[rickirs]

I'd say the CDC is very color conscious - camouflage and purple.

[jayboy]

Well thank you to the Nation for providing us with a well earned belly laugh.Still it's a bit sad that a newspaper which once had serious credentials is now - taking this article as an example - little more than a lying propaganda sheet.

[rubl]

To all those complaining:

Any suggestions as who you think should have been 'handpicked' for the CDC? With justification as to why those would be qualified please.

Furthermore please indicate why certain persons in the CDC shouldn't be there and reasons why you think so.

Thanks

[rubl]

Notice they used the expression "hand picked" all the time. Thais are always "hand picked." They are rarely if ever intellectually and leadership qualified. But the junta likes them.

Handpicked experts maybe? People with expertise in legal issues.

No need for 'leadership' skills, not for a CDC I think

[rubl]

Well thank you to the Nation for providing us with a well earned belly laugh.Still it's a bit sad that a newspaper which once had serious credentials is now - taking this article as an example - little more than a lying propaganda sheet.

Pray tell, where is theNation lying in this article?

[Time Traveller]

the Constitution Drafting Committee (CDC) was "colour blind" because it consisted of all colour-coded political factions

An "interesting" take on the situation, putting it very mildly.............................. .

That might be technically correct, but I suspect there is a few more of one color and a few less of another color to get the important charters changes voted thru

Edited November 5, 2014 by Time Traveller

[jayboy]

Well thank you to the Nation for providing us with a well earned belly laugh.Still it's a bit sad that a newspaper which once had serious credentials is now - taking this article as an example - little more than a lying propaganda sheet.

Pray tell, where is theNation lying in this article?

The grotesque mega lie is in the article's headline.All but abject slaves to dictatorship would not have needed to ask such a foolish question.

[Emster23]

Makes perfect sense to put on Constitutional committee members who advocated and supported overthrow of legally elected democratic government. Thai sense anyway.

[baboon]

To all those complaining:

Any suggestions as who you think should have been 'handpicked' for the CDC? With justification as to why those would be qualified please.

Furthermore please indicate why certain persons in the CDC shouldn't be there and reasons why you think so.

Thanks

We can complain all we want without having to justify ourselves to you.

Thanks?

[ATF]

<script type='text/javascript'>window.mod_pagespeed_start = Number(new Date());</script>

The Political System will not change unless the vote buying stops. Landless peasants should not be allowed to vote. Homeless people are not allowed to vote in Western Countries.

An imperfect solution would be to only allow land and property owners the vote. They wouldn't be susceptible to vote buying.

people like you worry me. you shouldn't be allowed to live on this planet.

I understand how you feel but this is the way Western Democracy evolved. Firstly only landowners were allowed the vote and people valued their vote once they got it.

How many women died to get the right to vote?

Disenfranchise people and you create an underclass full of resentment - Strange that you should promote such a backward step. I have a sense of this resentment because I have paid taxes here for 25 years, own property and have a life investment, yet can't vote (you should not have to be naturalised to do so - I wasn't in Australia, yet could vote).

I agree with you, long term expats should be entitled to vote but the biggest problem facing Thai Politics is vote buying.

This is the only idea I have that would minimize that.

The poor will vote on any ludicrous promise if they are getting something for free regardless of the harm it will do to the Country.

[rubl]

Well thank you to the Nation for providing us with a well earned belly laugh.Still it's a bit sad that a newspaper which once had serious credentials is now - taking this article as an example - little more than a lying propaganda sheet.

Pray tell, where is theNation lying in this article?

The grotesque mega lie is in the article's headline.All but abject slaves to dictatorship would not have needed to ask such a foolish question.

So, you can't objectively explain yourself.

[jayboy]

Well thank you to the Nation for providing us with a well earned belly laugh.Still it's a bit sad that a newspaper which once had serious credentials is now - taking this article as an example - little more than a lying propaganda sheet.

Pray tell, where is theNation lying in this article?

The grotesque mega lie is in the article's headline.All but abject slaves to dictatorship would not have needed to ask such a foolish question.

So, you can't objectively explain yourself.

Read the article's headline which contains the lie - as already pointed out.If you paid more attention you wouldn't make a fool of yourself asking redundant questions.

[rubl]

So, you can't objectively explain yourself.

Read the article's headline which contains the lie - as already pointed out.If you paid more attention you wouldn't make a fool of yourself asking redundant questions.

'as already pointed out'? You mean your "Well thank you to the Nation for providing us with a well earned belly laugh.Still it's a bit sad that a newspaper which once had serious credentials is now - taking this article as an example - little more than a lying propaganda sheet.

You talk in the language which was so popular with radical labour figures in England between the 50-sh and 70-sh. Some even managed to explain that the East Block countries were only helping misguided people with the invasions in Hungary, Tjechoslowakia and Poland.

I still have to hear an objective explanation as to why the current CDC members are not colour blind or not professionally suitable. Neither have I heard some tell that there are other more qualified people who should have been appointed.

All emotional outbursts only suggest that there are no objective objections against the CDC members. IMHO.

[tbthailand]

Well thank you to the Nation for providing us with a well earned belly laugh.Still it's a bit sad that a newspaper which once had serious credentials is now - taking this article as an example - little more than a lying propaganda sheet.

Pray tell, where is theNation lying in this article?

The grotesque mega lie is in the article's headline.All but abject slaves to dictatorship would not have needed to ask such a foolish question.

a thousand shades of yellow is still color blind.

[metisdead]

Removed a post that claimed others were paid to post (boileroom). If you have any actual evidence please forward it to support. If it's just a lame debating tactic, further references like that may find you without posting rights.

Other inflammatory baiting nonsense posts and replies have been removed.