Deputy PM: Government's proposals to improve charter

Suwit Rattiwan

BANGKOK: Deputy Prime Minister Wissanu Krea-ngam said the draft constitution will not make everyone satisfied, and that the first 13 suggestions proposed by the government would improve the draft law.

After the Constitution Drafting Committee (CDC) considered all the 16 proposals, it would not be necessary for the CDC to send back the revised draft to the government, Mr Wissanu said on Friday. He insisted that the proposals were from the government, not the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO). Most cabinet ministers who offered their ideas are not members of the NCPO.

He also brushed aside media's speculation that the NCPO could be giving indirect orders to the CDC. He said the NCPO can just hold talks with the CDC. The deputy prime minister said the suggestions offered by the government would ensure that the draft constitution would stay in line with its roadmap. For instance, the suggestions would add more rights and freedom, while preventing recurring problems.

CDC spokesman Udom Rathamarit said all suggestions and recommendations given to the charter drafters by the public, agencies and organisations are weighted equally. Mr Udom said the committee will look into each idea and see whether they suit the country's best interest.

-- NNT 2016-01-20

Aren't the members of the non elected government from the same pool of people who make up the National Council for Peace and Order ?

Aren't the members of the non elected government from the same pool of people who make up the National Council for Peace and Order ?

No - 50% of the cabinet is not from the NCPO organization nor active or retired military.

- about 48% of the parliament is not from the NCPO organization nor active or retired military

There was originally a 7-member NCPO: Prayuth Chan-ocha (Army Commander in Chief), Udomdei Sitabutr (Army Deputy Commander in Chief), Thanasak Patimaprakorn (Chief of the Armed Forces), Narong Pipathanasai (Commander in Chief Navy), Dr. Prajin Jantong (Commander in Chief Air Force), Adul Sangsingkeo (Police General), and Winthai Suvaree (Vice Spokesman of the Army).

There was also originally a 10-member Board of Consultants that served the NCPO. I consider the BOC as part of the NCPO organization.

Current Cabinet 34-member team includes 19 civilians, 14 retired and current military generals, and a retired police general. I find 4 generals and 17 civilians who are not from the NCPO organization. In the August 2015 cabinet reshuffle, none of the generals were ousted from the Cabinet while 11 civilians were removed.

Let the people view the charter. Let them vote to change things.

this guy is simply denying the reality that everyone else can see for themselves...

AKA, lying.