Thai Charter drafters face the heat at FCCT event

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Charter drafters face the heat at FCCT event
KRIS BHROMSUTHI
THE NATION

BANGKOK: -- CHARTER DRAFTERS on Tuesday evening came under tough and provocative questioning from participants and members of the Foreign Correspondents' Club of Thailand (FCCT).

The FCCT on Tuesday night held a forum "An Evening with Thailand's 20th Constitution Drafters", which included Constitution Drafting Committee (CDC) chief Borwornsak Uwanno, Lertrat Ratanavanich, Jade Donavanik, Nawin Damrigan and Korbsak Phutrakul.

Referring to the charter-drafting process, a journalist from Asia Times said, "Everything you are doing is a fool's errand."

He then asked, "What if all of this is just a distraction process to turn media attention away from the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO), which is running a police state without intention to let go of power anytime soon, they could do so by, for example, putting the charter-drafting process back to square one?"

Borwornsak brushed off the remark, saying in a half-joking manner, "Thank you very much for your comment, but I'm afraid this is question and answer time."

The event's host, Umesh Pandey said at the opening remarks that in respond to Borwornsak earlier claim that Thailand hasn't beaten the Guinness World Record for having highest number of constitutions as they are still behind the Dominican Republic, Venezuela and Haiti, Umesh said that these countries have been under democratic rule for much longer. Hence he said "Thailand still hold the Guinness World Record for highest number of constitutions in terms of yearly average!", which was 4.15.

It was apparent that many foreign journalists were sceptical of the charter drafters' democratic agenda, despite the drafters' explanations and insistence that this charter placed high emphasis on empowering citizens while improving the checks and balances system and regulation.

Referring to reports on whether there will be a referendum, which has still not been confirmed by the junta, one participant asked: "Do you think you are superior to the people?

"Is that why a referendum still remains in question?"

When asked if he was sure that this charter would last forever, Borwornsak responded, "Only God can tell you that". He said realistically speaking, considering the history of Thai constitutions, the new charter "could last 10-15 years".

CDC members have been active in engaging with both foreign media and diplomats in the past few weeks. A forum on the charter was also held at Nai Lert Park Hotel last week where diplomats from over 30 countries attended.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/politics/Charter-drafters-face-the-heat-at-FCCT-event-30257715.html

-- The Nation 2015-04-09

[NongKhaiKid]

This is a question and answer time and the way it works is that you ask the questions and I don't answer them.

I've been studying my hero the PMs technique.

[chooka]

"Only God can tell you that"

Unfortunately Mr Prayuth is in the toilet at the moment so we can't ask him.

[soalbundy]

They will keep on with new constitutions until they get it right, by which time it wont be of any use because they will belong to China

[tx22cb]

Well, no-one associated with the current regime will ever accept an invitation to appear at the FCCT again.

The Junta's attitude towards the sceptical media is - if they are Thai, threaten them with repercussions; if they are foreign, accuse them of being in the pocket of Thaksin's lobbyists.

[phoenixdoglover]

Mr. Prime Minister recently said the "problems" of Thailand that led to the coup are only 35% solved.

Notwithstanding the absurdity of using a % figure like this, it clearly indicates the intent of Mr. Prime Minister to stay on for quite some time.

Sounds like the evening with the foreign correspondents was a barrel of laughs. Damn journalists.

Edited April 9, 2015 by phoenixdoglover

[Eric Loh]

Next time have an exclusive invitation for Chinese and Russian journalists only.

[Srikcir]

It's a good thing that General Prayut wasn't there. I could just hear him threatening members of the FCCT with execution for citeful questions - in jest of course.

My question to the CDC would be - Why cannot Thai universities hold forums/seminars on democracy, cannot even discuss democracy in other nations while the CDC can hold a similar forum without prosecution? But one of the correspondents gave a clue, "Do you think you are superior to the people?"

[taony]

They sound like they are celebrating a milestone: the 20th Constitution! Woohoo!!

So they are planning for the next coup in 10-15 years already???