NRC meeting: 1997 charter suggested if new Thai constitution is rejected

[webfact]

NRC meeting debates new political structure, 1997 charter suggested if new constitution is rejected

BANGKOK, 15 May 2015 (NNT) - The National Reform Council (NRC) has affirmed that today’s meeting between political parties and civic groups is to obtain input from all sides in the charter drafting process. The Pheu Thai Party has suggested that the country revert to the 1997 constitution, should the draft constitution be rejected.

NRC member Niran Pantharakit revealed that the seminar will cover eight main topics, including the debate over political groups, the electoral process for senators and the prime minister, political checks and balances, and the public referendum on the new constitution.

Former MP Samart Kaewmeechai of the Pheu Thai Party has expressed the party’s support for a public referendum on the new constitution, saying it will encourage public participation in the current reform process.

However, the party has suggested that a contingency plan be established if the new charter is rejected. In the event that the new constitution is struck down, the Pheu Thai Party suggested the country revert back to the 1997 constitution.

Mr Samart urged charter drafters to increase citizen participation in the new charter. He said the decrease in constituent MPs and the stipulation allowing for an unelected official to assume the premiership are provisions that reduce the constitution’s connection to the people.


-- NNT 2015-05-15

[Wilsonandson]

The Pheu Thai Party should have reformed years ago and distanced itself from the Shinawatra Clan, then all this reform and political upheaval needn't have taken place.

[candide]

If there is a referendum, my bet is that there is no hope that an alternative constitution will be proposed if the new one is rejected. The Junta will stay in power, will eventually change some handpicked comittee by another handpicked committee, and propose another similar charter with mainly cosmetic changes. It can be endless.....

[smedly]

there is absolutely no point in going backwards to any previous charter they have all proved useless and failed, PTP has a reason they want a previous charter and it is not in the interests of either the country or it's people - only them and the criminal that controls them

A referendum should be taken off the table and this Charter put in place no matter who doesn't like it, then elections held under the new rules with an option to review and tweak it going forward but not by the sitting government, this needs to be nurtured into place and then monitored closely to see how effective it is - a trail run if you like and if it is seen to be effective and all it's goals met then release the reigns bit by bit until there is a stable government and the country is free from corruption and power abuse, this process will take years

[JAG]

In other words Smedley, an undemocratic fix to ensure your beloved junta remain in power whatever the electorate say!

[smutcakes]

there is absolutely no point in going backwards to any previous charter they have all proved useless and failed, PTP has a reason they want a previous charter and it is not in the interests of either the country or it's people - only them and the criminal that controls them

A referendum should be taken off the table and this Charter put in place no matter who doesn't like it, then elections held under the new rules with an option to review and tweak it going forward but not by the sitting government, this needs to be nurtured into place and then monitored closely to see how effective it is - a trail run if you like and if it is seen to be effective and all it's goals met then release the reigns bit by bit until there is a stable government and the country is free from corruption and power abuse, this process will take years

Meanwhile on planet earth.........

[Praematura]

I bet the masses will get to vote yes/no on the draft charter(which resembles the 97 charter) or they will get stuck with the 97 charter. Either way the proportional representation by direct election and elites will appoint enough to avoid a democratic election.

[h90]

The Pheu Thai Party should have reformed years ago and distanced itself from the Shinawatra Clan, then all this reform and political upheaval needn't have taken place.

Thaksin is Pheu Thai...he bought parties, he finance them, he bought some people who make the propaganda for him....If someone distance from him he is out. If all distance from him, they have no funds anymore and new Pheu Thai 4th edition (TRT, PPP was before) will rise up.

[Robby nz]

PT would like a return to the 1997 charter as they know how to subvert it and get around the checks and balances it had in place.

[smutcakes]

PT would like a return to the 1997 charter as they know how to subvert it and get around the checks and balances it had in place.

And those who oppose it know that it would give power to the people... at least until the Govt was in power.

[smedly]

In other words Smedley, an undemocratic fix to ensure your beloved junta remain in power whatever the electorate say!

well you can look at it what ever way you want, up to you, what I see is political failure year upon year in Thailand mostly from abuse of elected governments, so something has to change, we have seen more kingpin criminals brought to answer for their activities in the last 8 months most probably in Thai history.....please keep it going

maybe you have all the answers but I see what I see and IMO things are being fixed and criminals are being brought to justice and I hope it continues, personally I would rather see the current government stay in office for a long time slowly evolving to an election once all the corrupt (deleted) are removed and convicted, over to you and stay off the yogurt

oh and PM axes 45 officials under graft probe with his special powers http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/825564-pm-axes-45-officials-under-graft-probe-with-his-special-powers/

This country is a disgrace, please PM Prayuth Chan (O) Cha stay right were you are and keep doing what you are doing

Edited May 15, 2015 by smedly

[Srikcir]

there is absolutely no point in going backwards to any previous charter they have all proved useless and failed, PTP has a reason they want a previous charter and it is not in the interests of either the country or it's people - only them and the criminal that controls them

A referendum should be taken off the table and this Charter put in place no matter who doesn't like it, then elections held under the new rules with an option to review and tweak it going forward but not by the sitting government, this needs to be nurtured into place and then monitored closely to see how effective it is - a trail run if you like and if it is seen to be effective and all it's goals met then release the reigns bit by bit until there is a stable government and the country is free from corruption and power abuse, this process will take years

"they have all proved useless and failed"

NO

They were not proven useless and their failure was from the extra-constitutionality of the military to operate OUTSIDE THE CONSTITUTION and do what it pleases at any time of its choosing without plurality support. It is the military that is the ultimate political party in Thailand, having no constraints on its ability to DEFY THE LAW OF THE LAND with perceived immunity.

In fact the 1997 constitution under Article 6 states that "any law, rule or regulation, which are contrary to or inconsistent with the Constitution, shall be UNENFORCEABLE." That means that any succeeding constitution that does not amend the 1997 constitution by constitutional means designated by the 1997 Constitution are ILLEGAL.

If the Thai people reject the draft 2015 Constitution, the nation should default to the 1997 Constitution. And as a consequence, the 2014 Interim Charter and amnesty that the military granted to itself is NULL and VOID. Now that would send a serious message from the SOVEREIGN Thai Peoples to the military establishment - you are not a sovereign power unto yourself!

[Srikcir]

In other words Smedley, an undemocratic fix to ensure your beloved junta remain in power whatever the electorate say!

well you can look at it what ever way you want, up to you, what I see is political failure year upon year in Thailand mostly from abuse of elected governments, so something has to change, we have seen more kingpin criminals brought to answer for their activities in the last 8 months most probably in Thai history.....please keep it going

maybe you have all the answers but I see what I see and IMO things are being fixed and criminals are being brought to justice and I hope it continues, personally I would rather see the current government stay in office for a long time slowly evolving to an election once all the corrupt (deleted) are removed and convicted, over to you and stay off the yogurt

oh and PM axes 45 officials under graft probe with his special powers http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/825564-pm-axes-45-officials-under-graft-probe-with-his-special-powers/

This country is a disgrace, please PM Prayuth Chan (O) Cha stay right were you are and keep doing what you are doing

Constitutional monarchies only have one King. But this is Thailand.

[Strangebrew]

Instead maybe just pencil a bi-yearly coup like a Thai holiday so every other year hit the rest button. and all us farangs can wear party hats.