NRSA support call for charter amendment every 10 years

[webfact]

NRSA support call for charter amendment every 10 years

 

 

BANGKOK, 29 May 2017 (NNT) - The National Reform Steering Assembly (NRSA) has endorsed a proposal for regular amendments to the constitution, ensuring that the Kingdom's charter remains relevant to the current situation. 

At the NRSA sitting on Monday chaired by its Speaker, Captain Tinnapan Nakata, the assembly kicked off with a report from the committee on political reforms. 

Committee member Sompong Sakawee explained to the plenary body that the 2017 Constitution calls for a 20-year national strategy for long-term development. Therefore, the committee has proposed regular amendments to the charter every 10 years, starting from its promulgation. 

The committee also suggested establishing a merit system to pave the way for political reform through the people, including both career politicians and members of the public. 

The NRSA sitting debated the report, and most members voted in favor to support its suggestions, noting that successful and sustainable political reforms must begin with the people. The NRSA claimed that people must be more disciplined and adhere to good political culture.

 

-- nnt 2017-05-29

[BigBadGeordie]

What makes them think the current constitution will last 10 years?

 

The first action taken after any coup is to suspend the constitution in order to grant themselves amnesty.

[webfact]

NRSA calls for 10-year review of charter and ‘political virtue system’
By KASAMAKORN CHANWANPEN
THE NATION

 

 

BANGKOK: -- THE National Reform Steering Assembly (NRSA) yesterday endorsed a political reform proposal as part of the so-called national strategy, and promised that it could prevent future coups.

 

Proposed by the NRSA’s political reform committee, chaired by Seri Suwanpanont, the move includes two major points aimed at creating a stable, sustainable and democratic political system for a government that practices good governance.

 

One part calls for a major review of the Constitution after it has been in use for 10 years, to ensure that government moves fit national circumstances. During the first ten years, it could be amended following normal parliamentary procedures, but when it reaches 10 years, the review must be held regardless of any emerging challenges.

 

The proposal says any move to amend the charter should be done by a committee composed of members from both the Lower and Upper Houses.

 

Another part suggests having a ‘political virtue system’ via the reinforcement of a political culture in democratic law. The Act and the system, according to the plan, is seen as a way to help improve the morale of politicians, as well as voters.

 

Sompong Srakawee, chairman of the panel vetting the reform plan, said such proposals must be put in the 20-year national strategy because people were still worried and believed that politicians and their parties were immoral and corrupt.

 

Sompong implied that the reform plans could resolve concerns such as those aired recently by Prime Minister Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha in the questions he asked Thai people to consider last week, which could resurface after an election.

 

He said stable politics was vital to the 20-year national strategy, which aims to ensure national security.

With regard to revision of the charter after 10 years, he said that would show that the new Constitution could be revised.

 

Review of charter ‘an option’

 

Should were issues that arise before that period, people should wait for a decade so the opinions of the public and politicians can be heeded.

 

Seri said any revision of the charter was optional. The approach was designed to open options for reviewing the charter when necessary and that did not mean it must always be revisited.

 

He said the results of political reform of the national strategy would be seen in 20 years after five governments.

Seri said there should be a social contract binding both the state and the people to maintain the three pillars: the nation, the monarchy, and religion.

 

The reform proposal could be an answer to Prayut’s recent questions, he said.

 

NRSA members welcomed the plan and passed it with 158 votes for, two against and eight abstentions. They said revision of the Constitution could be prescribed in the national strategy, although the Constitution Drafting Commission (CDC) had laid out mechanisms to make amendments difficult.

 

After passing the NRSA, the proposal would go to Cabinet, the super-committee overseeing reform, reconciliation, and national strategy, and the National Legislative Assembly.

 

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/news/national/30316665

 

-- © Copyright The Nation 2017-05-30

[JAG]

I suppose it is an ongoing process.
New challenges will emerge, they have to be met.
Such a relentless task.
Thailand should be glad that there are those prepared to devote themselves so selflessly to the cause.

[edwinchester]

Of course there will need to be constitutional changes in the future if the 'wrong' side looks like winning.

[YetAnother]

aha, these guys can predict the lifespan/life expectancy of a charter !  thailand's charter history does not suggest that an amendment review process every 10 years means anything

[pookiki]

So, does such a proposal conform to the existing provisions of the Constitution?

[Redline]

How long is the average constitution?  About 3 years right?

[Srikcir]

14 hours ago, webfact said:

Another part suggests having a ‘political virtue system’ via the reinforcement of a political culture in democratic law.

Kind of a westernized sharia law?