CDC: Principle on independent organizations in draft charter unchanged

Thammarat Thadaphrom

BANGKOK, 13 March 2016 (NNT) - The Constitution Drafting Commission (CDC) has resolved to maintain the principle clause concerning independent organizations in the permanent charter.

Mr Pakorn Nilprapunt, secretary of the CDC, said the drafting body had already discussed the provision pertaining to independent agencies and decided not to make any changes to the main principle, but revised some of the phrases for clarification.

He said that independent agencies will have the power to probe corruption-related cases while confirming that the move is not intended to put pressure on any side, but rather to ensure transparency in the country.

He went on to say that the CDC is expected to review transitional provisions next week which is when the proposal of Deputy Prime Minister Gen Prawit Wongsuwan will be deliberated.

Gen Prawit earlier suggested that all members of the Upper House be appointed during the first five years of political transition.

Mr Pakorn said the CDC has not been working under pressure and has always put the country and people’s best interests first when drafting the new charter.

-- NNT 2016-03-13

While the CDC decided not to make any changes to the main principle described in the draft charter, it will make some of the Independent Organizations more powerful than provided in the 2007 Constitution.

Two cases in point:

- CDC adds new mechanism for independent bodies to check government policies or projects, 2016-01-16

- NLA VP agrees with having Constitutional Court resolve political crises, 2016-01-19

On the other hand, the National Human Rights Commission remains powerless and may be merged with the Office of the Ombudsman.