NRSA Wanchai says political reform needs effective constitution

Thammarat Thadaphrom

BANGKOK, 13 March 2016 (NNT) - A member of the National Reform Steering Assembly (NRSA) says political reform will be successful if the permanent constitution is effective and resolves past political conflicts.

NRSA member Wanchai Sornsiri was speaking at a seminar hosted by the King Prajadhipok's Institute at Kasetsart University, saying although Thailand had always been a democratic country, past general elections had been tainted by fraud and corruption, which is why the country had to suffer never-ending conflicts.

In terms of political reform, he said the new constitution would play a vital role in achieving the goal, adding that the permanent charter must provide a framework for effective government, effective screening mechanisms, and severe punishments for corrupt people.

He also mentioned that the reform body had already submitted suggestions covering many aspects of reform to the Constitution Drafting Commission (CDC) and had been working on national reform according to the country’s roadmap.

-- NNT 2016-03-13

A member of the National Reform Steering Assembly (NRSA) says political reform will be successful if the permanent constitution is effective and resolves past political conflicts.

That's one very very big IF. Given that the last 20 charters have had a life span averaging just over 4 years, and given the track record of past politicians and the police in enforcing the law, I would not give this charter a much longer life span either.

The entire thing is an exercise in futility.

Edited March 13, 201610 yr by WhizBang

"Thailand has always been a democratic country". Does he not read the news or understand the situation for the last 2 years.

And there goes any credibility to anything else he ever says!

And after two and half year of protest and junta's government they are still unable to tell us what these so important reforms are.

Reform is a joke. The fact is people voted and taking away their democratic rights will make the situation worse.

The economic situation will continue downhill and the only way to get our boy out is another creative general with troops.

Thailand had always been a democratic country

That's true. Everyone of the 20 constitutions written by the military since 1933 identified Thailand as a democratic constitutional monarchy. However, Prayut admits that he is not surprised and understand that Western democratic nations view his coup and rule of Thailand not to be representative of democratic rule.

So it's words vs practice. Obviously, with 20 constitutions and another one in progress words are cheap.

They're on the ropes, and they know it, as significant former allies line up against them.

A member of the National Reform Steering Assembly (NRSA) says political reform will be successful if the permanent constitution is effective and resolves past political conflicts.

That's one very very big IF. Given that the last 20 charters have had a life span averaging just over 4 years, and given the track record of past politicians and the police in enforcing the law, I would not give this charter a much longer life span either.

The entire thing is an exercise in futility.

After 20 trial and errors you would think they can get it right. I am afraid not so much so. It will be a not all inclusive but all (the word rhymes starts with a)