PDRC foundation backs draft constitution

[rooster59]

PDRC foundation backs draft constitution

BANGKOK: The People’s Democratic Reform Committee Foundation has thrown its full weight behind the Constitution Drafting Committee’s draft constitution which is scheduled to be voted in a national referendum on August 7.

PDRC foundation chairman Suthep Thuagsuban told a press conference at the Pacific City Club on Sunday morning that he especially likes the draft starting from its preamble which clearly spells out the spirit of the country to embrace democratic rule with the King as the head of state and to resolve the country’s crisis.

He pointed out that the draft charter was written in a way to provide a leeway through which future national crisis could be resolved by a 13-member panel headed by the president of the Constitutional Court without the need of another coup to resolve the crisis.

He went on heaping praise on the draft charter citing the provisions regarding national reforms which, he said, are unprecedented and never before stipulated in the previous charters.

The former leader of the PDRC in the marathon protests against the government of prime minister Yingluck Shinawatra two years ago said that the current draft charter is relevant with current political situation and it gives hope to people who have yearned for reforms to take place here.

As for the question for voters in the referendum about whether they agree or disagree with the parliament to select the prime minister, Mr Suthep was elusive, saying that he was not clear yet about the question but, anyhow, he noted that it was just a one-off exercise by the parliament.

He said he was optimistic that the referendum would b held and the majority of the people would vote for it.

Asked why the PDRC foundation take a different position regarding the draft from the Democrat party, Mr Suthep explained that the foundation is a different entity from the Democrat party.

Source: http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/content/160795

-- Thai PBS 2016-04-24

[kkerry]

Never saw that one coming...

[mrrizzla]

Of course they do. They didn't even need to announce it. It was assumed by ever person and soi dog in the nation.

[Just1Voice]

Humm, the real news, and surprise, would have been if Suthep and his jackboots DIDN'T support it.

[WhizBang]

Oh, why am I not surprised?

I guess Prayet and friends won't be threatening jail time for political activity in this case, but should anyone say anything negative, then watch out.

Double standards much?

[z42]

So when does his 10 year jail term start then? Or is that only reserved for people who have (and share) any reservations about it? And yes I know what a rhetorical question is

[GeorgesAbitbol]

Didn t the dear Pm tell us that praising or criticizing the charter will lead to harsh sanctions?

[phoenixdoglover]

...he especially likes the draft starting from its preamble which clearly spells out the spirit of the country to embrace democratic rule...

It's a shame the "democratic spirit" dies a premature death in the preamble. The rest of the Charter is more of a "democratic zombie."

[chainarong]

There's something not quite right about this PDRC foundation, it just smacks of brown nosing and nothing like the Suthep of old ......................................

[leeneeds]

so decisive on all questions except the election of the P M

elusive, is a cop out..

Yes or No easy

question to answer,

and disappointed that he has not,

may be the time in the Wat took his

testicles.

[DNPBC0]

The guts of the issue are that Suthep was primarily instrumental in orchestrating the series of events which resulted in the 2014 election being declared 'null and void' and in the resulting coup. It is important to remember that, by his own admission, he was working with the leader of the present junta to make all this occur. Whatever the junta may say, the current interim constitution came into being via seriously illegal means. The fact that Suthep is immune to prosecution for treason under S.48 of the interim constitution is irrelevant because this constitution is, in itself, entirely illegal. The declarations otherwise are simply infantile sophistry and are very well understood by the more sophisticated and well-informed observers in and outside Thailand.

[Rayk]

Well if Suthep backs the constitution you can definitely bet it is not in the best interest of the Thai population.

But I am not really surprised as him and his friend the PM were in cahoots together when it came to the coup.

[sjaak327]

What a surprise, never ever say that one coming...

[greenchair]

Wouldn't it be funny if the 250 member senate could not decide on a suitable pm and the constitutionAl court made Suthep the new leader. Imagine the speech. oh no no. no thanks, I don't want it. But since the court has forced me to accept, I cannot resist. For the people.

[nikmar]

Wouldn't it be funny if the 250 member senate could not decide on a suitable pm and the constitutionAl court made Suthep the new leader. Imagine the speech. oh no no. no thanks, I don't want it. But since the court has forced me to accept, I cannot resist. For the people.

Youve voiced what Ive been thinking for a while.

Iwouldnt be the least surprised.

A speech beginning with "The Great Mass of People want me and I have accepted...."

[oldsailor35]

Of course Suthep does agree, he is a friend of Prayuth having advised him through the take over of government. If truth was known, he probably helped with the drafting. He is a thieving crook and wants to be PM one day.

Did the media think to ask him what happened to all the money he collected on the streets of Bangkok supposedly to help the poor farmers !

[oldsailor35]

Never saw that one coming...

Really !!! where have you been the past few years. On his own undisputed admission, Suthep was advising Prayuth on a daily basis through the coup period and after.

[Wilsonandson]

Be careful posting on this topic. Remember the forum rules and the laws in Thailand about lese majeste. Be aware! Thailand is under military control!

Just saying.

[heybruce]

Wouldn't it be funny if the 250 member senate could not decide on a suitable pm and the constitutionAl court made Suthep the new leader. Imagine the speech. oh no no. no thanks, I don't want it. But since the court has forced me to accept, I cannot resist. For the people.

No, but it would be funny if, out of habit, he obstructed the referendum on the draft constitution.

He could even use the same argument: "Reforms first, then a vote!"

[JAG]

Well thats sorted then. If Suthep and his " great movement" applaud it, no need for a referendum.

[NCC1701A]

What? No bus crash today?

[phoenixdoglover]

What? No bus crash today?

No, but we do have:

- Taxis going off meter

- The rising population of stray dogs, and

- Foreigners falling from balconies and windows

[aussieinthailand]

The guts of the issue are that Suthep was primarily instrumental in orchestrating the series of events which resulted in the 2014 election being declared 'null and void' and in the resulting coup. It is important to remember that, by his own admission, he was working with the leader of the present junta to make all this occur. Whatever the junta may say, the current interim constitution came into being via seriously illegal means. The fact that Suthep is immune to prosecution for treason under S.48 of the interim constitution is irrelevant because this constitution is, in itself, entirely illegal. The declarations otherwise are simply infantile sophistry and are very well understood by the more sophisticated and well-informed observers in and outside Thailand.

An "invitation" to come along for some tea and crumpets (attitude adjustment) for O'l uncle Suthep for his public comments on the draft then? Oh Oh, yeah sorry them ten year gaol terms are for people with red bowls and any that criticizes us.........

[Eric Loh]

UDD timed their charter rejection and called for their supporters to vote no perfectly. Also throw the Dem Party into a spin. That will split their southern supporters and further weakened their election chance. Seem a cakewalk for the more cohesive PT in next election.

[JAG]

UDD timed their charter rejection and called for their supporters to vote no perfectly. Also throw the Dem Party into a spin. That will split their southern supporters and further weakened their election chance. Seem a cakewalk for the more cohesive PT in next election.

Ah but Suthep and his "great movement" don't take any notice of election results.

[Eric Loh]

UDD timed their charter rejection and called for their supporters to vote no perfectly. Also throw the Dem Party into a spin. That will split their southern supporters and further weakened their election chance. Seem a cakewalk for the more cohesive PT in next election.

Ah but Suthep and his "great movement" don't take any notice of election results.

So true. What a snake. Even caused his own elected party government downfall. This man may have shot his last bullet and will be seen as a pariah and betrayer by the Dem supporters.

[Srikcir]

Oh, why am I not surprised?

I guess Prayet and friends won't be threatening jail time for political activity in this case, but should anyone say anything negative, then watch out.

Double standards much?

The test will come soon.

UDD chairman Jatuporn Promphan said last week that he would wait until PDRC foundation chairman Suthep set the date for making the statement and he would choose the same day to hold a press conference to announce the UDD’s negative position vis-à-vis the draft charter.

He stated that if the PDRC Foundation could make a public statement, the UDD would be able to do so with reasons why the draft is unacceptable section by section.

As typical Abhisit will wait for the NCPO reaction before following UDD in the Democrat's rejection of the draft charter. Maybe in the interim play a little Price Is Right with Prayut?