'Just give us a moment' – 3 years later

[webfact]

'Just give us a moment' – 3 years later
By KASAMAKORN CHANWANPEN
THE NATION

 

 

Charter promulgation ends long delay

 

BANGKOK: -- THE 20TH Constitution of the Kingdom has finally been promulgated, and everything that attaches to it – the road map, the election and the resumption of democratic rule – now becomes more concrete after almost three years of a nebulous rule since the coup.

 

But looking back, what happened to the “we’ll keep our promises, just give us a moment” lyrics that were constantly played as the regime’s theme song in 2014, which were repeated in interviews and media briefings which also said an election would be held the following year?

 

The “moment” the junta asked for in 2014 turned into 29 months since the charter drafting started in November 2014. Over such a prolonged period, not only the drafting but many other issues got in the way and delayed by three years the promised 2015 election, now set for 2018.

 

The whole process started off in November 2014. About five months after the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) seized power, junta head Prayut Chan-o-cha appointed the Constitution Drafting Committee, chaired by veteran jurist Borwornsak Uwanno, to write a new charter that was to govern the country after the junta stepped down. According to the interim charter, the panel had 120 days to complete the country’s supreme law.

 

Authorities then said the charter could be completed in mid-2015 and, after writing necessary organic laws, the election was anticipated late that year or early 2016.

 

But the plot became twisted. The charter, despite its strong civil politics components, included a crisis committee that became highly controversial, and before it could be put before a national referendum, it was aborted by the junta-appointed National Reform Council, stirring up a national drama.

 

Borwornsak was furious to the point of saying that he regretted being part of a charter drafting process that had ruined his reputation and that “[the military] was here to stay”.

 

The failure of the first draft and the inclusion of the crisis panel that could have overruled elected governments, also prompted junta opponents to call for the military to step down to let an elected government write the constitution.

 

Regardless, the junta went on with its “road map to democracy”, amending the constitution to allow for another charter writing panel, and began drafting the constitution once again in October 2015.

 

It appointed a new panel, the Constitution Drafting Commission (CDC). This time, it was veteran constitution writer Meechai Ruchupan in the saddle. But it has not been an easy ride. For one thing, he was appointed by a post-coup regime that has been highly censured both at home and abroad. For another, the anti-coup faction constantly has brought up the fact that Meechai also wrote the constitution in 1992 that led to the bloodshed of Black May as a consequence of an outsider prime minister. But the veteran rode out the storm of distrust, completing the new charter draft, which challenged pro-democracy advocates with an alleged bureaucratic slant as well as a so-called “democracy exemption period” of five years to rebuild the country. This was seen as allowing an outsider prime minister and establishing mechanisms alleged to help prolong the coup-makers’ power.

 

In August, four months after the charter was completed, Meechai claimed victory after the draft was approved in a national referendum that also asked the people whether they would agree to authorise the non-elected Senate to participate in choosing a prime minister. 

 

Although it was uncertain whether the referendum’s success was due to the regime’s popularity or a desire for elections, the sequel was clear: The CDC had to revise the draft charter corresponding to the poll results before submission for royal endorsement.

 

Just when charter promulgation was clearly in sight, the road map met another sharp turn when the Kingdom’s much-beloved monarch King Bhumibol Adulyadej passed away in October. Seeking royal endorsement to officially enact the charter consequently had to be put on hold as the present King Vajiralongkorn joined the Thai people in national mourning.

In the meantime, the Constitutional Court advised revising the charter’s preamble, which involved the title of the monarch and year of his reign. The National Legislative Assembly also petitioned the court to rule whether the Senate could propose PM candidates.

 

As a result, it took another three months before the issues were unravelled and Prayut was able to submit the completed charter for royal endorsement in November.

 

The charter, however, was returned for revision in consideration of royal observations.

 

That process also required an amendment of the interim charter. Altogether, the revisions were completed and it was submitted for final royal endorsement on February 17.

 

After the twists and turns during these 29 months, the country can now finally see the new constitution King Rama X endorsed yesterday. And the highly anticipated election should take place about 18 months from now after the necessary organic laws are written.

 

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/news/national/30311545

 

-- © Copyright The Nation 2017-04-07

[Wilsonandson]

Great word constitution. Best said slowly in Thailand. Con-s-tit-u-tion with emphasis on the Con part.

Sent from my SM-A700FD using Thailand Forum - Thaivisa mobile app

[yellowboat]

1 hour ago, webfact said:

the resumption of democratic rule

Really ?   Do not hold your breath.

[leeneeds]

2018 will be interesting to see who is propped up as the front lady/ man for 

the fugitive, and lady bad luck.

[ChrisY1]

2017 and constitution #20.....sort of matches the next 20 years of military interference.

In reality, Thailand' governments haven't progressed intellectually very much at all in the past 70 odd years.

Never have they been able to diminish military power....and until a government of Thailand actually does this, there's going to be ongoing issues.

[Prbkk]

13 minutes ago, leeneeds said:

2018 will be interesting to see who is propped up as the front lady/ man for 

the fugitive, and lady bad luck.

Of course the fear mongering will continue in respect of that but as things moved from good to ok to not great to bad under Thaksin and successors and now to bloody awful under the junta, does it matter much?

The situation is increasingly like "The little old lady who swallowed the fly", with ridiculous , risible justification offered for restrictions and policies unquestionably designed to benefit certain sectors rather than the country as a whole.

The whole "fear of Thaksin bogey man" ( or nominee) is threadbare.

[jesimps]

34 minutes ago, leeneeds said:

2018 will be interesting to see who is propped up as the front lady/ man for 

the fugitive, and lady bad luck.

Grow up man! Do you honestly believe that the junta are going to allow a pro-Thaksin party to compete? What do you think all the delays have been about if not to ensure that Thaksinites can never take power again. You and every other fanboy knows that the PTP or its equivalent would win any election by a landslide. You'll deny it of course.

 

It doesn't matter anyway because whichever party is in the power the real power will be with the military.

[leeneeds]

My point being boys is that money talks , in this country and if you have untouchable 

bucket loads all manner of modus operandi can happen, do you think 

that all the sacrifice from his followers will just be abandoned ,

you are sadly mistaken,  (That was my point ) 

 

 

[realenglish1]

The 20th Constitution  OMG  Britain has the Magna Carta (one time) the United States has the Constitution written over  200 years ago

 

Thailand is on its 20th

 

My stomach hurts from laughing Wonder when 21 is coming

Edited April 7, 2017 by realenglish1

[darksidedog]

Across the world people can't vote until they are 18, as that is when it is deemed they have grown up and matured.

Holding the same criteria here, the voting age would probably have to be set at about 60.

[whatawonderfulday]

4 minutes ago, darksidedog said:

Across the world people can't vote until they are 18, as that is when it is deemed they have grown up and matured.

Holding the same criteria here, the voting age would probably have to be set at about 60.

That is incorrect as some countries have a minimum voting age of 16.   However you make a good point regarding the voting age here although given some of the recent actions/laws invoked by the  ruling Junta,  and given their ages,  I think even 60 would be too young in Thailand.

[mikebell]

You get to vote here as soon as you accept 500 bribe.

[williamgeorgeallen]

election in the following year, but following which year?

[Ulic]

Nothing will be fully sorted until the Navy gets its subs.

[elgordo38]

5 hours ago, webfact said:

now becomes more concrete after almost three years of a nebulous rule since the coup.

 

Really what is that slow dry material that they mix with concrete? 

[elgordo38]

'Just give us a moment' – 3 years later. I have heard this phrase so often since coming to Thailand little realizing that it could stretch out over 4 years amazing Thailand. 

[worgeordie]

3 hours ago, realenglish1 said:

The 20th Constitution  OMG  Britain has the Magna Carta (one time) the United States has the Constitution written over  200 years ago

 

Thailand is on its 20th

 

My stomach hurts from laughing Wonder when 21 is coming

Britain does not even have a Constitution ,as would be recognized by others,

its an Unwritten Constitution, so really its 20 to 0 ,one  day i am sure they 

will get it right, maybe by number 37.

regards worgeordie

[elgordo38]

2 hours ago, worgeordie said:

Britain does not even have a Constitution ,as would be recognized by others,

its an Unwritten Constitution, so really its 20 to 0 ,one  day i am sure they 

will get it right, maybe by number 37.

regards worgeordie

Hmm maybe. By number 20 they have learned a lesson trial and error. They have tightened up all the loopholes that existed in past constitutions. They have also studied where things went wrong in giving power to the people and designed the new one accordingly much like Burma's constitution. I am sure this one has lots of firewalls where if you punch through one with your democracy fist there will be another behind it and so on. Oh well lets put our feet up and see how it plays out. It will take successive government 20 years to find their way through this constitutional maze.

[sawadeeken]

I am just wondering if the part of the new Constitution which gives the Thai Army a full 51% power......

Over and above any 'Elected' democratic PM and would still give "Democracy" only 49%...........

Therefore you would still have a 'police state' and not a full-democratic state.........

I'm just wondering.... Over the last year or so I heard talk about that (51% Army control) being written into the new one.......

Does anybody know anything new about that?

[Baerboxer]

8 hours ago, jesimps said:

Grow up man! Do you honestly believe that the junta are going to allow a pro-Thaksin party to compete? What do you think all the delays have been about if not to ensure that Thaksinites can never take power again. You and every other fanboy knows that the PTP or its equivalent would win any election by a landslide. You'll deny it of course.

 

It doesn't matter anyway because whichever party is in the power the real power will be with the military.

 

You may be right about the balance of future power, and where the real power will lie.

 

But PTP winning by a landslide - dream on. Thaksin shot his bolt with many Thais who see him for the crook he is. Whether the clever organization that was put in place to obtain votes for his owned parties has been dismantled, or to what extent it still exists would determine how well or badly a Thaksin proxy party does.

[Eric Loh]

21 minutes ago, Baerboxer said:

 

You may be right about the balance of future power, and where the real power will lie.

 

But PTP winning by a landslide - dream on. Thaksin shot his bolt with many Thais who see him for the crook he is. Whether the clever organization that was put in place to obtain votes for his owned parties has been dismantled, or to what extent it still exists would determine how well or badly a Thaksin proxy party does.

PTP will win a landslide but will not have the majority to form the government. The MMA system will ensure that and whoever has the influence over smaller parties will be the government. 

 

If the smaller parties are surrogates of the military, they will either lean towards the Dem Party. But if Ahbisit is no longer the chosen one, the smaller parties will create a situation whereby a government can't be formed and it become a crisis allowing a non elected PM to step in. Don't think it will be Prayut but someone else to form a unity government.

 

Any each where, Thailand is heading to some more turmoil for next decade. Unlikely to see peace and reconciliation. 

[Baerboxer]

Just now, Eric Loh said:

PTP will win a landslide but will not have the majority to form the government. The MMA system will ensure that and whoever has the influence over smaller parties will be the government. 

 

If the smaller parties are surrogates of the military, they will either lean towards the Dem Party. But if Ahbisit is no longer the chosen one, the smaller parties will create a situation whereby a government can't be formed and it become a crisis allowing a non elected PM to step in. Don't think it will be Prayut but someone else to form a unity government.

 

Any each where, Thailand is heading to some more turmoil for next decade. Unlikely to see peace and reconciliation. 

 

Seeing into the future now Eric - jolly good. Any tips for the lottery numbers?

 

PTP - do so well at the Dong Meuang by-election when they lost a very safe seat. And then tried all sorts of chicanery to get the result annulled. And then the Bangkok governor election where their owner said they could even win if they but a telegraph pole up as candidate - lost that one too.

 

Agree there'll be turmoil. Always will be until the justice system and all related items are sorted out. But like corruption, it just lingers and lingers.

[Chris Lawrence]

The big C is based on age old Thai traditions handed down over many many years of careful consideration and planning. Steeped in the law and what the judicial system practices and a strong political background all can finally understand. No money no Honey. And yes it is a one party platform not to confuse people who believe they will be an effective opposition. They have the subs and tanks on order to prove it.

[wgdanson]

9 hours ago, realenglish1 said:

The 20th Constitution  OMG  Britain has the Magna Carta (one time) the United States has the Constitution written over  200 years ago

 

Thailand is on its 20th

 

My stomach hurts from laughing Wonder when 21 is coming

But is it not about time the Brits (me) and the Yanks stopped living by something written centuries ago and brought it up to date a bit. Same as religions following what some guy said 2000 years or more, ago.

[Eric Loh]

8 minutes ago, Baerboxer said:

 

Seeing into the future now Eric - jolly good. Any tips for the lottery numbers?

 

PTP - do so well at the Dong Meuang by-election when they lost a very safe seat. And then tried all sorts of chicanery to get the result annulled. And then the Bangkok governor election where their owner said they could even win if they but a telegraph pole up as candidate - lost that one too.

 

Agree there'll be turmoil. Always will be until the justice system and all related items are sorted out. But like corruption, it just lingers and lingers.

Besides future, I also look at history. Each time when the people was denied of their rightful elected representatives, they lifted their voices in the election.  

 

2007 post coup election, PPP won by landslide.

2011 post judiciary coup, PTP won by landslide.

 

Will not see any difference next coming election as most are fed-up with the junta government and longing to see their hinds. 

 

It may also turn out that PTP able to influenced smaller parties to form the next government. Victory for the people but expect another coup with the upper appointed senators blocking every legislation and creating a crisis.

 

So agree with you. No peace for Thailand unless..........???

 

 

[JAG]

The 20th Constitution  OMG  Britain has the Magna Carta (one time) the United States has the Constitution written over  200 years ago
 
Thailand is on its 20th
 
My stomach hurts from laughing Wonder when 21 is coming

Some two years after the next Pheu Thai government wins an election.

[JAG]

Nothing will be fully sorted until the Navy gets its subs.

And the army more tanks ( this weeks 10 were just for starters), and I dare say the air force will be wanting some new jets......

[JAG]

 
You may be right about the balance of future power, and where the real power will lie.
 
But PTP winning by a landslide - dream on. Thaksin shot his bolt with many Thais who see him for the crook he is. Whether the clever organization that was put in place to obtain votes for his owned parties has been dismantled, or to what extent it still exists would determine how well or badly a Thaksin proxy party does.

As ever BB we will only know that if there's a free and fair election. And although we are on opposite banks of the river we both know that's​ not going to (be allowed) to happen.

[Retiredandhappyhere]

The whole process has been so steeped in ridiculous terminology that I would guess that the majority of the population have absolutely no idea what it is all about.   This means that the junta has achieved its objective and will of course effectively hold on to power until the next coup.