CDC: New constitution must solve Thailand’s longstanding problems

[webfact]

CDC: New constitution must solve country’s longstanding problems

BANGKOK, 8 October 2015 (NNT) - The Chairman of the Constitution Drafting Committee (CDC) has affirmed that the new constitution will serve as the country’s core principles and solve the country’s longstanding problems.

According to CDC Chairman Meechai Ruchupan, his committee will examine all past constitutions from 1975 to draw on their strong points and will continue to take in suggestions from the public. He called on the public to exercise their duties as citizens by participating in the upcoming public referendum and continue to provide input on the constitution drafting process.

At the same time, Mr Meechai said the CDC will ask for input from various organizations such as the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO), the government, the National Legislative Assembly, the National Reform Steering Committee, various universities as well the trade and industry sectors.

He also said the NCPO has given him guidelines in drafting the constitution, which include garnering international acceptance, catering to Thai culture, creating corruption prevention measures, creating reconciliation and encouraging public participation. The new constitution must also be the product of an agreement within the CDC itself.

He added that the key ingredient in the constitution’s effectiveness is a clear mechanism of inspecting the country's political system in order to prevent further conflict. As for the limited timeframe of 120 days, Mr Meechai said the CDC will fully dedicate itself to creating a constitution that is concise and precise.


-- NNT 2015-10-08

[Fat Haggis]

Does he mean the long standing problem of the rich and powerful of all walks of life a abusing the law?

[oneday]

Put up or shut up.

[Bob12345]

"He also said the NCPO has given him guidelines in drafting the constitution, which include garnering international acceptance, catering to Thai culture, creating corruption prevention measures, creating reconciliation and encouraging public participation. The new constitution must also be the product of an agreement within the CDC itself."

Curious what they mean with this. What part of Thai culture has to be accommodated in the constitution?

Asking because I doubt it is really "Thai culture" they are referring to, and has more to do with keeping one group in power forever.

Edited October 8, 2015 by Bob12345

[phoenixdoglover]

I would disagree fundamentally with the premise that the new Constitution must solve the country's problems. I would say instead the new Constitution should provide a stable and enduring framework for problem solving. The problem solving will take place over 10 to 20 years, at best. The actors in problem solving will be the elected representatives, the judiciary, the police, the military and government workers. Citizens and the press round out the field.

As for the following sentiment, "He added that the key ingredient in the constitution’s effectiveness is a clear mechanism of inspecting the country's political system in order to prevent further conflict." , again I am not in agreement.

The mechanisms are already well known. They are:

- the rule of law

- free speech (freedom of the press)

- free and fair elections

The Constitution should reinforce these mechanisms, not create new ones (such as the various people's committees).

Rule of law can be reinforced through:

- restructuring the courts to ensure there is a difference between the trial courts and the appeals courts

- breaking up the RTP into several autonomous police forces, with distinct roles, and the ability to police each other

- once and for all putting the military within the legal framework, which makes them subsidiary to the civilian government and the courts

None of this will happen, of course.

The CDC, Version 2, is stacked with Junta candidates. We are at the good intentions (gum flapping) stage. This will be followed by the hollow promises phase. The much vaunted "public input" will be minimalist. The long vigil will continue.

Edited October 8, 2015 by phoenixdoglover

[Srikcir]

The CDC whose members are selected and appointed by the NCPO will ask for input from various organizations such as the:

NCPO

government selected and appointed by the NCPO

National Legislative Assembly selected and appointed by the NCPO

National Reform Steering Committee selected and appointed NCPO

Where does public representation and participation play a role?

[chainarong]

Until Thailand's constitution diminishes the roll of the Military to below rung 6 and establishes distinct guidelines for disputes and to include the rolls and involve the family in the BIG house to over come political impasses, Thailand will remain a political back water , the end result of military Junta's forcing there own narrow minded will on the Thai People.

[lovelomsak]

Constitutions mean nothing. Just makes more court cases in the future. Constitutions arenot the answer.The reality is Thailands problems will never be solved. These kind of battles have been going on for centuries. As soon as there is new wealth in the country the Thais fight amongst themselves to get hold of the wealth. The wealth disappears and they go to outside sources to start a new cycle. the wealth comes in they start to fight for it again. There is no way to illiminate greed in this country that is true Thainess.

Read Is the wheel of Ayudya truning full circle on us. It describes it perfectly Forgot to mention that is in general here on Thai visa

Edited October 9, 2015 by lovelomsak

[Thai at Heart]

"He also said the NCPO has given him guidelines in drafting the constitution, which include garnering international acceptance, catering to Thai culture, creating corruption prevention measures, creating reconciliation and encouraging public participation. The new constitution must also be the product of an agreement within the CDC itself."

Curious what they mean with this. What part of Thai culture has to be accommodated in the constitution?

Asking because I doubt it is really "Thai culture" they are referring to, and has more to do with keeping one group in power forever.

The bit where armies just make it up as they go along would be a place to start.

[JAG]

Does he mean the long standing problem of the rich and powerful of all walks of life a abusing the law?

No he means the problem of the people repeatedly choosing a government which does not come from his preferred rich and powerful people - the impertinent buffaloes have done it 4 times in the last 20 years, his task is to ensure that they can't do it a 5th time.

Bet they do...

[elgordo38]

We all know who will be behind the Lone Rangers mask on this one. His sidekick and faithful ally name starts with an S and ends in a P