Wissanu defends strategic panel's special powers
THE NATION

BANGKOK: -- DEPUTY Prime Minister Wissanu Krea-ngam yesterday defended the special powers that would be granted to the National Strategic Reform and Reconciliation Committee (NSRRC) under the proposed constitution, saying the panel would only exercise these powers when the country was in a "crisis".

Under the draft charter, the NSRRC has the power to take over an elected government.

Critics have said the provision that paves the way for the establishment of the NSRRC would allow for a "dual state", as the government under the new charter appears to be powerless.

Wissanu said the government would have full power in the country's administration under normal circumstances, and the NSRRC would only be able to exercise its power when the country is in a crisis.

He also dismissed concerns about the draft charter being regarded as incomplete or illegitimate because it lacks a preface.

The deputy PM said the preface could be written later as the draft charter would only be ready for royal endorsement in February.

"If the preface is written now, drafters would be referring to the country's situation in August. It has to be written to suit the latest situation. Besides, the preface will have to be written after the draft charter passes the referendum," he said.

He added that the National Reform Council (NRC) could not delay voting on the draft, and if it is necessary to defer voting, then it could be no later than September 7.

NRC members led by Udom Faungfoong voiced concerns about the legitimacy of the charter draft being questioned, as it has no preface. On Monday, the group said it would push for a Constitution Court interpretation.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/politics/Wissanu-defends-strategic-panels-special-powers-30267445.html

-- The Nation 2015-08-26

Defending the indefensible.

Either they actually believe what they say and are complete fools or they believe the Thai people are complete fools.

Yes.....I can see it now.

First election, Reds win.

Yellows come out in protest.

Crisis proclaimed.

NSRRC takes control.

although not ideal I see it as something of a compromise and a nessecity given that last governments antics, it could actually work

Hold on!

Posters are validating a mechanism that allows this military-backed body to take control of the country whenever it decides there's a crisis? And this body is to lurk in the background for an unspecified amount of time?

Let's just throw the right of self-determination, democracy and the voice of the People in the rubbish bin, eh?

Shame on you all.....

Edited August 26, 201510 yr by KarenBravo

Define crisis Mr PM ?

One Ring to Rule Them all......Welcome to Mordor

A Constitution with a coup clause! What a novel idea.

Will there be a panel to supervise the NSRRC?

As the Romans said over 2,000 years ago: Who is watching the watch men?

although not ideal I see it as something of a compromise and a nessecity given that last governments antics, it could actually work

(shakes head)

I can't believe anyone coudl support this. This is basically just a way for the military to step in whenever the opposing side wins. No need to restrict votes when you can just take over the government for no apparent reason after protests which you orchestrate bring a crisis that you created.

Edited August 26, 201510 yr by jcsmith

Hoarding power, Special circumstances, Crisis..... All the same. Undemocratic.

Absolutely incredible that they can be so brazen as to try to put this in the constitution. Incredible.

Its a critical clause that could define the next decade or two and its not looking good. Whats incredible is many will probably vote for it because reading it will make the average Thai, mai cao jai, bua maak maak...zzzzzzzzz ...

They really need to start getting the word out how end of the road this would be for every single political party of the future.

This place is sadly sleepwalking into the abyss.