Content of rejected draft can guide new charter, says PM Prayut

[webfact]

Content of rejected draft can guide new charter, says PM
PIYAPORN WONGRUANG,
JEERAPONG PRASERTPOLKRUNG
THE NATION



BANGKOK: -- PRIME MINISTER Prayut Chan-o-cha said yesterday that content of the draft constitution voted down by the National Reform Council would help guide the new round of charter drafting.

"Both the pros and cons of points will be picked up for review and reconsideration to see why each was accepted or rejected. And if they can be fixed, then how best to fix them," he said.

Prayut also said: "People believe that the country faces a major threat and this needs to be handled, so those concerned must find ways to tackle it."

"I must say that it should be something that everyone should get involved in and be responsible for, as we are all part of the mistake. So, everyone must invest in this process too," he said during the question-and-answer session of his weekly press conference at Government House.

The draft charter was rejected probably because some NRC members thought it was not democratic, he said.

Besides, politicians had taken turns voicing strong opposition via the media and predicted the failure of the draft charter in the referendum. That probably also raised fear among the NRC, he said.

"At first, I also thought that it would certainly pass the NRC vote," he said.

"For me, I never said anything to the media as I would accept any result, but if it really passed with a new conflict arising, whether or not it was worth reconsidering. There was nothing about my staying in power as people have allowed me to stay because they have confidence in me.

"But I would like to say something about principles. I think the charter should be clearly separated from the administration. Don't mix it up."

Prayut refused to say whether he already had in mind the people who would be appointed to the new 21-member charter drafting committee, simply saying some would come from the legal field.

Justice Minister Paiboon Koomchaya said the prime minister had asked his Cabinet during its meeting yesterday to help propose the committee members, excluding politicians.

Deputy government spokesman Maj GeneralWerachon Sukondhapatipak said the prime minister wanted to finish the selection by October 3 before he leaves for the annual meeting of the United Nations General Assembly.

Deputy Prime Minister Wissanu Krea-ngam outlined the road map to the Cabinet, saying the charter drafting committee would be set up by October, then from October to April, the new charter would be drafted.

From April to August, the referendum would be prepared and the new constitution was expected in September.

From September to October, some organic laws would be drafted for tabling with the National Legislative Assembly. Around February 2017, they would be forwarded to the Constitutional Court for a one-month review and starting in March, election campaigns could be carried out.

The general election was expected in June, 2017, and the new government would be formed one month later.

Speculation was rife that noted law academics and former drafters of the 1997 and 2007 charters would be appointed as new drafters, but they have said they preferred not to get involved, as they were too old or had too much work to do.

They include Noranit Setabutr, a former rector of Thammasat University, and Somkid Lertpaitoon, the current rector. Both are National Legislative Assembly members.

Komsan Pohkong, vice law dean at Rangsit University, said the new round of charter drafting would face challenges from three areas: the junta, the politicians and the people who wish to see the return of democracy.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/politics/Content-of-rejected-draft-can-guide-new-charter-sa-30268448.html


-- The Nation 2015-09-09

[Anthony5]

Guided as in, the following clauses are not available for a review?

[Srikcir]

Prayut vote = 1

40 million Thai votes = 0

Prayut wins everytime!

[ldiablo]

Everyone should get involved except them,them,them,them and definitely them!

[whatawonderfulday]

Of course it can act as a guide for the next draft. Then that one can be rejected again, and the next and the next. The tin pot General and his cronies have got no intention of giving up their lust for power and riches and having a democratically elected government. Well not during his lifetime anyway.

[Thai at Heart]

And all 20 constitution drafted before it too one would presume. 99% is identical, so why does it take so long to draft it anyway.

[ksamuiguy]

is a copy of the rejected Constitution available?

[ikke]

Prayut vows to keep his hands off new charter

Started by webfact, Today, 04:34