CDC empowers independent organizations in the new charter


File photo. Source Internet

BANGKOK, 28 January 2016 (NNT) - The Constitution Drafting Commission (CDC) has reviewed the draft charter's clauses on government structure and included more clauses determining the roles of independent organizations.

CDC Spokesman Chatchai Na Chiangmai said the revision of the draft charter has been done to ensure the accuracy of each section and their conformity with other sections. Regarding independent agencies, the CDC has decided to increase a number of ombudsmen to three positions.

Each ombudsman can only serve a single six-year term. The CDC has also empowered the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) to investigate any public servants accused of corruption.

However, the ombudsmen can be subjected to an internal probe by their organization for serious criminal charges. As for politicians, the NACC will be able to take legal action against any individual accused of either criminal or civil offences under the draft constitution.

The NACC is expected to complete its investigations within a period of two years from initiation. Regarding the crimes committed by Thai citizens overseas, the CDC is currently deciding the appropriate statute of limitations.

To prevent any political figure from overstaying their term in office, the draft charter stipulates that they must resign from their current positions within 90 days after the new charter is introduced, before they can contend in the general elections.


-- NNT 2016-01-28

What is an independent organisation under junta rule?

"To prevent any political figure from overstaying their term in office"

Who are these political figures? Everyone in the NLA, NRSA, CDC and executive branch were appointed by the junta. No politics per se were involved, ie., elected positions. If current government officials are exempt from this provision, then they can campaign for elections before the new charter is introduced (by act of royal endorsement after approval by a referendum?)

Why not just say "To prevent any government official from overstaying their term in office ..."?