Media ‘can seek court ruling on regulatory law if they want’

[webfact]

Media ‘can seek court ruling on regulatory law if they want’

May 09, 2017 01:00 
By THE NATION

 

Chief charter-drafter Meechai Ruchupan

 

BANGKOK: -- CHIEF charter-drafter Meechai Ruchupan suggested yesterday that the media should bring the controversial media regulatory law before the Constitutional Court if it suspected that the law contradicted the recently promulgated Constitution.

 

After the law came into effect, the media could try |complaining about it before the Constitutional Court, he said, adding that if the law were then found to be in contradiction |with the charter, it could be |invalidated.

 

The veteran drafter also said that the stipulations contained in any piece of legislation must be in accordance with the Kingdom’s supreme law.

 

Meechai added that in the current Constitution laws must be forwarded to the Constitutional Court to ensure they are compatible with the charter after deliberations in |the legislative chamber.

 

“Before seeking Royal endorsement, there is a five-day period for the Lower and Upper Houses to consult the Constitutional Court to see whether or not the law is |properly in line with the charter,” he explained.

 

His remarks came after the controversial media regulatory bill was endorsed by the National Reform Steering Assembly (NRSA) on May 1. 

 

The legislation is subject to further action by the government, including possible legal enactment. 

 

However, the draft law has met fierce opposition from the media as it contains a proposal that at least two top-level |government officials sit on a |proposed media professional council, as well as a requirement for a new accreditation and |certification system for members of the media.

 

Deputy Prime Minister Wissanu Krea-ngam, meanwhile, said he planned to meet media representatives to hear their views on the controversial media regulation bill, but he declined to confirm that the government would include their recommendations, saying it was up to the Cabinet to consider.

 

Wissanu said he would meet media representatives after the National Reform Steering Assembly forwards the bill to the National Legislative Assembly, which was expected to happen this week. 

 

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/news/national/30314644

 

-- © Copyright The Nation 2017-05-09

[wakeupplease]

This old man looks like his days have been very long and hard, perhaps the gov should give him a rest and send him on a holiday to a civilized country where democracy exists and give his brain a rest or Education as it lacking in the later

[darksidedog]

2 hours ago, webfact said:

-- CHIEF charter-drafter Meechai Ruchupan suggested yesterday that the media should bring the controversial media regulatory law before the Constitutional Court if it suspected that the law contradicted the recently promulgated Constitution.

Isn't it his job as the drafter of the law to ensure that any legislation put forward is not in contradiction with the Constitution? Personally, I hope there are errors in it and it can be thrown out. Any law stopping the press telling the truth is a bad law.

[Ebony19]

3 hours ago, wakeupplease said:

This old man looks like his days have been very long and hard, perhaps the gov should give him a rest and send him on a holiday to a civilized country where democracy exists and give his brain a rest or Education as it lacking in the later

You are Genius Sir

[maoro2013]

The constitution is still in a state of flux, is it not.

 

Good luck with any attempt to change what these guys decide.

[elgordo38]

10 hours ago, webfact said:

After the law came into effect, the media could try |complaining about it before the Constitutional Court, he said, adding that if the law were then found to be in contradiction |with the charter, it could be |invalidated.

Pssst there is a trap ahead don't walk into it. He says it so well with a smile on his face. The smile seems to convey the term "just try it and see where that gets you"

[elgordo38]

7 hours ago, Ebony19 said:

You are Genius Sir

The shock would definitely do him in. 

[elgordo38]

7 hours ago, darksidedog said:

Isn't it his job as the drafter of the law to ensure that any legislation put forward is not in contradiction with the Constitution? Personally, I hope there are errors in it and it can be thrown out. Any law stopping the press telling the truth is a bad law.

While we are the topic of bad laws pick a good one. Take an hour or so no rush. 

[Srikcir]

18 hours ago, webfact said:

stipulations contained in any piece of legislation must be in accordance with the Kingdom’s supreme law.

Is that different than being in accordance with the People's 2017 Constitution?

Maybe Meechai meant the supreme court?