CDC adjusts Article 259 of draft charter to ban charter drafters from politics for 2 years

BANGKOK, 2 February 2016 (NNT) – The Constitution Drafting Commission has made changes to a part of the new draft charter to make sure their members stay away from elected office for some time after finishing their drafting responsibilities.

CDC spokesman Norachit Sinhaseni said that the meeting of the charter drafters had already made changes to some wordings in Article 259 of the latest draft of the new Constitution.

After the changes, the article in question now contains a line which forbids any member of the current team of charter drafters from holding any political office for two years after completing the responsibilities of the CDC.

Mr. Norachit added that the CDC’s latest forum in Chiang Mai was well-received by local residents and it was found that many remain worried about the issues of rights and freedoms.

He said that the CDC has assured them that the new draft Constitution has clearly stated that the government will be responsible for the protection of people’s rights.

Nevertheless, the CDC spokesman has called on the public to review the latest draft thoroughly as the charter drafting team will remain open for any suggestions until February 15.


-- NNT 2016-02-02

I don't know why the CDC are giving themselves a pat on the back, 2 years is not long enough. If they were truly being noble and just, then the CDC and their extended families should be precluded from elections for at least 5 years...

"the new draft Constitution has clearly stated that the government will be responsible for the protection of people’s rights."

You mean like the 2007 Constitution, Part 13, “Right to Protect the Constitution,” Article 68 that states:

“No person shall exercise the rights and liberties prescribed in the Constitution to overthrow the democratic regime of government with the King as Head of State under this Constitution or to acquire the power to rule the country by any means which is not in accordance with the modes provided in this Constitution. “

That proved to be an empty wish. And so the façade continues.

big deal...

" Penalties against people calling for anti-constitutional draft stand proposed" http://prachatai.org/english/node/5821