Constitution Drafting Assembly Appointed by Royal Decree

[Jai Dee]

CNS will wait for NLA to finish selecting 25 members of constitution drafting committee

The Royal Thai Air Force commander-in-chief and the deputy chief of the Council for National Security (CNS), ACM Chalit Phukphasuk, said the CNS will select the 10 people for the 35-member constitution drafting committee after the National Legislative Assembly (NLA) has chosen 25 members.

ACM Chalit said the CNS will have to wait for the NLA to select 25 members for the constitution drafting committee first because the CNS would like the committee to be well-rounded and highly capable. He said the CNS will conduct the selection process justly and will not primarily consider about the army as other parties have expressed their concern.

ACM Chalit said the CNS has coordinated with the Royal Thai Police on the case where Temujin Network chairman Chanapat Na Nakhon claimed that an army general, whose name starts with “P”, was involved in the Bangkok bombings.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 13 January 2007

[Jai Dee]

Democrat Spokesman: CNS should not select CDC members related to old political clique

Democrat Spokesman said the Council for National Security (CNS) should not select the 10 members of the Constitution Drafting Committee (CDC) who have connections to the deposed government.

Democrat Spokesman Ong-art Klampaiboon (องอาจ คล้ามไพบูลย์) revealed that the CDC selection process should be transparent and the would-be CDC members should be acceptable to the general public. Mr Ong-art expressed concern over the qualifications of CDC members which he considers as too high. As a result, those with enough knowledge and ability to be the CDC might fail to meet such qualifications.

Regarding the new constitution, the spokesman said the CDC should be able to tell differences between the 1997 constitution and the new one. He also hopes that the new constitution can actually inspect the exercise of power of political officials, especially the prime minister.

Mr Ong-art said further that the Constitution Drafting Assembly (CDA) should select the rest 25 CDC members on the basis of variety. The 25 CDC members should represent both academic and civil sectors.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 15 January 2007

[Jai Dee]

THAMMASAT DEBATE

Thumbs down for the next charter

Legal, other experts slam drafting process and warn public not to expect political reforms

The constitution-drafting process is a "joke" and will not lead to political reform, legal experts and civil rights activists declared yesterday.

The public will soon realise the new charter will benefit only coup leaders, the elite, and technocrats, and not the majority, they asserted.

Union for Civil Liberties secretary-general Pirote Polpetch told a public gathering at Thammasat University yesterday that the most important factor would be control of public information.

Broadcast news media under the new constitution is likely to remain in the hands of the State and those sympathetic to it, he said.

"The news media has proven to be the best political tool for people in power to oppress opponents," Pirote said. "A constitution to be written by technocrats and other coup leaders' 'yes' men will not delegate the airwaves to serve the public interest."

How the charter holds politicians accountable to the law and the people they represent is another key issue, Pirote said.

He noted that the 1997 People's Constitution made it difficult to launch investigations into corrupt politicians, too.

"The Thaksin regime brought failure to the accountability system, and political reform must seriously address this. We need a new process in which people can directly take politicians to court without having to work through bureaucratic red tape."

Federation for Democracy chairman Weng Tojirakarn called the constitution-drafting process a "joke".

Coup leaders are in full control, he said.

"The constitution is a joke drafted by a council of puppets," Weng said. "Most of the council members are bureaucrats who have been selected by an undemocratic process. For example, the selection of the 200 drafters from 1,982 candidates was not held by secret ballot. How can those who agree to such a process produce a democratic charter?"

Thammasat University's Law Faculty deputy dean, Assoc Prof Prasit Pivavatnapanich, agreed a new charter would not result in meaningful political reform because technocrats and legal experts would dominate the drafting process and kow tow to the power of the coup leaders.

"It's the nature of technocrats to work for whoever is in power, not the people," he said.

"Even though there is a referendum process for people to decide if they accept a new charter a 'no' answer will not mean anything because the junta is in power and can dust off an old charter and impose that," Prasit said.

People should not be surprised to see few mechanisms to ensure public involvement in the legislative process.

Pirote said the new charter would continue to place legislation-writing power in the hands of the government and Parliament.

Absent too will be mechanisms giving people a say in public policy and decision-making over mega-projects as well as natural-resource management, he added.

National Human Rights Commissioner Jaran Ditthapichai - who recently formed the Friends of the 1997 Constitution Group - encouraged people to "wake up" from the illusion "men in uniform" had rescued them from political and social turmoil.

"I cannot agree to have someone call himself a man of morality and sufficiency if he built a fancy house in a forest reserve," Jaran said.

He said since the New Year's Eve bombings it was clear the Council for National Security (CNS) had no intention of returning democracy to Thailand within one year as promised.

"Prolonged martial law, the attempt to control the news media and other violations of civil rights and liberties all point to the fact that the coup leaders enjoy their power and want to hang on to it," Jaran said.

Friends of the 1997 Constitution concludes that the best solution is to halt the charter-drafting and hold an immediate election using the 1997 Constitution.

But Pirote wants it to continue so the public learns by "disappointment" that it must stop trusting people in power to have all the answers.

Meanwhile, former prime minister Chuan Leekpai said yesterday that there should be no room on the 35-member core Constitution Drafting Committee for those who merely want a position of note and treat the job as a hobby.

"This is a difficult mission and [the drafters] have to be devoted over the six months [designated for drafting the charter]. Those who really have no time to devote should avoid this job. This is not a hobby that you can do when you have free time from your day job," Chuan said.

The Democrat Party's chief adviser said drafters should have excellent knowledge of Thailand's democratic development and its 17 past constitutions.

He said the flaws and strengths of those charters should be studied for ideas in writing the latest one.

Chuan disagreed with a proposal that a particular constitution should be referred to when drafting the new one.

The 100-member Constitution Drafting Assembly will select 25 members of the drafting committee and the CNS will appoint 10 others.

Democrat Party spokesman Ong-art Klampaiboon warned the CNS not to appoint people with connections to the "old power clique" or those not trusted by the public.

Source: The Nation - 15 January 2007

[Mid]

THAMMASAT DEBATE

Thumbs down for the next charter

Legal, other experts slam drafting process and warn public not to expect political reforms

The constitution-drafting process is a "joke" and will not lead to political reform, legal experts and civil rights activists declared yesterday.

The public will soon realise the new charter will benefit only coup leaders, the elite, and technocrats, and not the majority, they asserted.

Union for Civil Liberties secretary-general Pirote Polpetch told a public gathering at Thammasat University yesterday that the most important factor would be control of public information.

Broadcast news media under the new constitution is likely to remain in the hands of the State and those sympathetic to it, he said.

"The news media has proven to be the best political tool for people in power to oppress opponents," Pirote said. "A constitution to be written by technocrats and other coup leaders' 'yes' men will not delegate the airwaves to serve the public interest."

Holidays , over then ..............................................

[Jai Dee]

CNS chairman approved 10 charter drafters

The Royal Thai Army commander-in-chief and Council for National Security (CNS) chairman, Gen. Sonthi Boonyaratglin, approved the ten candidates who will be working in the 35-member Constitution Drafting Committee. The CNS has selected 10 candidates while the National Legislative Assembly (NLA) has selected 25 candidates.

The 10 members include Gen. Atthaporn Chareonpanich (อัฎฐพร เจริญพานิช), Mr. Montri Iamsa-ad (มนตรี ศรีเอี่ยมสะอาด), Mr. Ach-chaporn Jurujinda (อัชพร จารุจินดา), Mr. Supot Kaimuk (สุพจน์ ไข่มุกด์), Mr. Tongthong Juntarangsu (ธงทอง จันทรางศุ), Mr. Dejudom Kririt (เดชอุดม ไกรฤทธิ์), Squadron Leader Prasong Soonsiri (ประสงค์ สุ่นศิริ), Mr. Thanaboon Jiranuwat (ธนบูรย์ จิรานุวัฒน์), Mr. Vijitr Wichaisarn (วิจิตร วิชัยสาร), and Ms. Kanjanarat Leewiroj (กาญจนารัตน์ ลีวิโรจน์).

Gen. Sonthi handed a book to reveal the names and biographies of all the 10 selected people to Mr.Noraniti Setthabutr (นรนิติ เศรษฐบุตร), the Constitution Drafting Assembly chairman.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 20 January 2007

[Jai Dee]

CNS releases its list of 10 drafters for new constitution

The country has moved a step closer to a new constitution after the Council for National Security (CNS) named its 10 handpicked drafters to join 25 others selected by the Constitution Drafting Assembly.

The CNS list was released yesterday.

The 10 are Squadron Leader Prasong Soonsiri, a favourite to chair the Constitution Drafting Committee, judge advocate-general Attaporn Charoenpanit, Montri Sri-iamsa-ard, Atchaporn Charuchinda, Supot Kaimuk, legal expert Thongtong Chandrangsu, Detudom Krairit, Thanaboon Chiranuwat, Vichit Wichaisarn and Kanchanarat Leewirot.

Constitution Drafting Assembly (CDA) chairman Noranit Setabutr yesterday dismissed speculation that foreign countries, including the United States, were pressing for a speedy completion of a new charter.

"I have met ambassadors from the United States and Japan and can affirm no foreign country is trying to influence the charter-rewriting," he said.

Noranit said foreign representatives wanted to learn about the timetable and writing process but had not tried to impose their views on what a new constitution should be like.

With regard to the appointment of 35 charter-writers, he said the Council for National Security should name its 10 appointments this week. The other 25 were picked on Tuesday by the CDA.

According to Noranit's timetable, the charter-writers were expected to name their chairman and deputy chairman early next week. The CDA will convene on Monday to map out work guidelines for committees assisting in the drafting process.

By January 29, charter-writers should complete their guidelines, and the actual drafting of a new constitution will begin no later than January 31.

The CDA is expected to work with the Election Commission in sponsoring legislation for a referendum on the draft charter.

Democrat Party chief adviser and former prime minister Chuan Leekpai said the 180-day deadline should be long enough to complete drafting.

"Charter-writers should consider drawing up the drafting timetable in order to ensure their work progresses in an orderly manner, avoiding a last-minute rush," he said.

Thai Rak Thai Party spokesman Sita Divari said his party wanted a firm completion date.

"The completion date will quell suspicion of any attempt to hold onto power," he said.

If coup leaders honour their promise to hold a general election within one year, the charter draft should be ready by May 21 and allow time for a referendum and subsequent polls in September, he said.

Source: The Nation - 20 January 2007

[Jai Dee]

Longevity of charter in doubt

Difficult to draft in a climate of coercion: experts say.

A new constitution to be promulgated later this year is likely to end up as another short-lived interim charter, Chiang Mai University dean of law Somchai Preechasilpakul predicted yesterday.

He said that owing to the junta's tight control over drafting, "it will have little to do with the public and will largely be written by the elite of academia".

"Thus, it has a problem with legitimacy," he added.

Somchai was speaking at a Thammasat University symposium on politics and society four months after the coup. It coincided with the launch of a first anti-coup anthology published by Fah Diew Kan alternative political magazine.

"How can they draft a constitution under the climate of martial law and coercion?" Somchai said, adding that the constitution was being drafted under the overwhelming weight of how to rid politics of figures like Thaksin Shinawatra, the deposed prime minister.

Somchai said it was better to have an election as soon as possible because the constitution would not last long. The role of politicians will continue to dwindle in relation to the military and the Privy Council.

The new constitution should be aimed at producing a free and fair election only, and society should push for this goal, he said.

Others such as Thammasat University historian Somsak Jeamteerasakul said the constitution - written in a climate of continued social division - would be thrown out soon after a social rift that would lead to bloodshed.

Somsak shared Somchai's views and said a new election was needed as soon as possible, and any "permanent" constitution should be drafted afterward.

He said one major let-down, four months after the coup, was that many intellectuals had failed to learn from history and stand by their convictions. He accused some of being "hypocrites" or "cowards" for not criticising the junta, even though some were vocal in their opposition of Thaksin.

Communication arts lecturer Ubonrat Siriyuwasak of Chulalongkorn University said the public was living in a time where history was not progressing. The junta's treatment of the news media is no different from the previous regime, she said.

"[The junta] invites news editors to meet almost every week [to tell them what to censor]," said Ubonrat. "The government is feeding [state news] as a daily staple for the people."

"The new discourse is royal-nationalism and democracy is secondary," she said.

The only speaker to condone the coup was Chulalongkorn University political scientist Chaiyan Chaiyaporn, who said the junta was not Machiavellian, otherwise there would have been a swift purge of pro-Thaksin elements.

He said the coup was a work in progress and four months along was still not finished. Chaiyan said the junta would have to allow the judicial process to deal with Thaksin, and that would take time.

"The Council for National Security comes out to stop people fighting, but it can't re-establish democracy. That's up to us."

Social critic Sulak Sivaraksa said the junta should make good on its claim that Thaksin had committed lese majeste. However, nothing has been done so far.

He warned the public not to be fooled by the junta's promises. "All coups are detrimental and the September 19 coup is no exception."

Source: The Nation - 20 January 2007

[Jai Dee]

A brainstorming seminar will be held shortly to find public opinions on the content of a new constitution

“What Should Be the Main Content of a Democratic Constitution?” will form the topic of brainstorming sessions to be organized by the National Economic and Social Advisory Council to gauge public opinions for the drafting of the new constitution.

NESAC Chairman Kothom Areeya (โคทม อารียา) said a total of 23 seminars will be held during January 26 to February 7, 2007, in various parts of the country. The forums are expected to be joined by people from all walks of life. In the South, five sessions will be held in Phatthalung, Phang Nga, Songkhla, Pattani and Surat Thani. People from provinces nearby the seminar site are invited to participate.

The first such session in the South will be held at the Diamond Plaza Hotel in Surat Thani, on January 27 during 8.00 – 16.00 hours. Each seminar will be led by video presentation in the morning and an open stage of public comments in the afternoon.

Results of the seminar will be presented as supporting information for the drafting of the new constitution, to the 35-member charter drafting commission.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 22 January 2007

[Jai Dee]

CDA kicks off constitution drafting process

The Constitution Drafting Assembly (CDA) have begun the constitution drafting process as all of the 35 members of the Constitution Drafting Council (CDC) have been named already.

The CDC meeting today (January, 22) will consider qualifications of the ten CDC members selected by the Council for National Security (CNS) before officially discussing the constitution drafting for the first time.

CDC consists of 35 members. 10 of which were selected by CNS and the rest 25 by CDA.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 22 January 2007

[Jai Dee]

National Economic and Social Advisory Council to listen to public opinion for the new edition of the Constitution draft

The National Economic and Social Advisory Council will stage public hearings on economic and social issues. The gathered ideas and suggestions will be used as a guideline for the new edition of the Constitution draft.

The National Economic and Social Advisory Council views that people in every section of the society should contribute in the constitution drafting process. They will determine the important agendas to help create an effective political reform and a good democratic culture.

The public hearings will take place in all regions of Thailand, and it will start on February 2nd in Songkhla province.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 24 January 2007

[Jai Dee]

Chart Thai proposed 3 guidelines for the new Constitution

The Chart Thai Party has proposed three guidelines for drafting the new Constitution by putting an emphasis on an immune society, strong citizens, and a moderate leader.

Mr. Weerasak Kowsurat (วีรศักดิ์ โควสุรัตน์), the deputy leader of Chart Thai’s academic division, stated that in order for the society to be immune, the government has to implement the Sufficiency Economy policy. Moreover, the parliament has to approve the frameworks of different national agreements such as the free trade area (FTA) agreements.

For citizens to be strong, they should have the rights to propose bills for the parliament to consider promptly, and a fund should be set up to support their rights.

Mr. Weerasak also suggested that there should be a law to demote politicians who violate morality, and a prime minister should hold the position no longer than eight years. He also said the law requiring politicians to stay over 90 days in a political party should be cancelled in case of the dissolution of the parliament.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 25 January 2007

[hammered]

Chart Thai proposed 3 guidelines for the new Constitution

The Chart Thai Party has proposed three guidelines for drafting the new Constitution by putting an emphasis on an immune society, strong citizens, and a moderate leader.

Mr. Weerasak Kowsurat (วีรศักดิ์ โควสุรัตน์), the deputy leader of Chart Thai’s academic division, stated that in order for the society to be immune, the government has to implement the Sufficiency Economy policy. Moreover, the parliament has to approve the frameworks of different national agreements such as the free trade area (FTA) agreements.

For citizens to be strong, they should have the rights to propose bills for the parliament to consider promptly, and a fund should be set up to support their rights.

Mr. Weerasak also suggested that there should be a law to demote politicians who violate morality, and a prime minister should hold the position no longer than eight years. He also said the law requiring politicians to stay over 90 days in a political party should be cancelled in case of the dissolution of the parliament.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 25 January 2007

Hmmm. I guess old Banharn will be a bit past it in the PM stakes in 8 or so years. However term limits may well make sense in Thailand right now. Mind you how many of the current crop of politicians would survive a morality test? That could be interesting provided the archaic defamation laws were changed to exclude public figures.

[Jai Dee]

Jaral withdraws from contest for drafting panel's chairmanship

Jaral Phakdeethanakul Thursday announced that he would not contest for the chairmanship of the Constitution Drafting Committee.

He was speaking to reporters before the first meeting of the 35-member committee.

It has been speculated that the Council for National Security appointed Prasong Soonsiri as a member of the committee so that he would win the chairmanship.

Jaral said there was no lobbying for him to withdraw from the contest.

He said he considered himself as lacking seniority and was not well-rounded in politics.

Source: The Nation - 25 January 2007

[Mid]

He said he considered himself as lacking seniority and was not well-rounded in politics.

then why is he on the pannel ,

surley you would expect any of the 35 membersw to be suitable for ' the chair ' ......................

[Jai Dee]

Prasong voted as chairman of charter writing

Former Intelligence chief Prasong Soonsiri is voted on Thursday to be chairman of the Constitution Drafting Committee.

Prasong won over another candidate, Akkarawit Sumawongse, by one vote in the first meeting of the 35-member committee.

Earlier Permanent Secretary for Justice Jaral Phakdeethanakul Thursday announced that he would not contest for the chairmanship. He was speaking to reporters before the meeting.

It has been speculated that the Council for National Security appointed Prasong Soonsiri as a member of the committee so that he would win the chairmanship.

Jaral said there was no lobbying for him to withdraw from the contest.

He said he considered himself as lacking seniority and was not well-rounded in politics.

Source: The Nation - 25 January 2007

[Jai Dee]

Former Intelligence chief Prasong Soonsiri voted on to be chairman of the Constitution Drafting Committee

Squadron Leader Prasong Soonsiri (ประสงค์ สุ่นศิริ) was appointed as chairman of the Constitution Drafting Committee (CDC) during the first meeting of 35 CDC members today.

Sqn.Ldr.Prasong won 18 votes while Akkarawit Sumawongse (อัครวิทย์ สุมาวงศ์) won 17 votes. Mr Akarawit was made the first deputy chairman. The second deputy chairman was given to Charun Pukditanakul (จรัญ ภักดีธนากุล), and the third to Vicha Mahakun (วิชา มหาคุณ), the fourth to Chuchai Suphawong (นายชูชัย ศุภวงศ์).

The CDC meeting also selected Somkid Lertphaitoon (สมคิด เลิศไพฑูรย์) as secretary-general and Thongthong Chanthrangsu (ธงทอง จันทรางศุ) as spokesman.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 25 January 2007

[Jai Dee]

NESAC will hold a seminar for people to discuss charter draft

The National Economic and Social Advisory Council (NESAC) invites people from Nan, Uttaradit and Phrae provinces to join the seminar in Phrae Tower Hotel on February 10th from 8 AM to 4 PM. The seminar will gather public ideas and thoughts on the contents of a democratic constitution.

Ms. Phanarai Khanthikij, the chairwoman of NESAC, said her council is responsible in reflecting economic and social problems in the country to the Cabinet. NESAC also has a duty to provide suggestions on the new charter to the Constitution Drafting Committee, and therefore, the council has arranged a project to get public members involved with the charter drafting process. NESAC is arranging 23 seminars across the country, and the topic concerns the contents in a democratic constitution. People in central and regional areas can contribute their ideas and suggestions at these seminars.

In the northern region of Thailand, five stages will be organized for around 200 people to voice their opinions on legal, administrative and judicial authorities as well as organs under the constitution, human rights, public participation and standard policies of the government.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 26 January 2007

[Jai Dee]

New charter to be ready by July 6

The new constitution would be ready by July 6, said a member of the charter writing panel.

Prof Somkid Lertpaitoon, secretary to the 35-member Constitution Drafting Committee, said that the first draft should be finished by April 15 and ready to be submitted to the main Constitution Drafting Assembly in the first half of June.

The charter writers would spend the last two weeks of June polishing the final version which would eventually be put to a referendum, the first time this is being done in Thailand - which is a pre-requisite for the new elections and the return to democracy, promised by the military rulers who came to power after the coup last year that ousted former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra.

Prof Somkid said the final draft constitution would be ready by July 6, meeting the six-month deadline.

Earlier on Thursday, the committee elected a former intelligence chief as chairman.

Prasong Soonsiri, who was among the 10-member charter writers hand-picked last week by the military Council for National Security (CNS) under its quota, narrowly won with one vote over Akrawit Sumawong, who received 17 votes. Mr Akawit is vice president of the Supreme Administrative Court

Despite Mr Prasong’s election as the panel chairman, both Prof Somkid and Mr Akrawit voiced confidence that the charter writers would maintain their independence.

Prof Somkid added that the 35 panel members would start work immediately on Friday. They would be divided into three groups. The first group oversees the chapters on rights, freedom, public participation and local government. The second group is responsible for the chapters on political parties and

institution and the last group looks after the chapters on the judiciary and independent bodies.

Source: TNA - 26 January 2007

[Jai Dee]

PM affirms that he will not pressure CDA to reduce the number of House of Representatives and Senators

Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont has affirmed that he will not pressure the Constitution Drafting Assembly (CDA) members to reduce the number of House of Representatives and Senators.

The premier referred to the idea of reducing the number of House of Representatives from 500 to 300 and lowering the number of Senators from 200 to 100. Gen Surayud floated the idea that the reduction of House of representatives and senators would help eliminate vote-buying. He further added that the idea initiated by various politicians were only raised for consideration.

Gen Surayud also confirmed that the general election will take place within this year, as promised. However, he said that the adjustment will depend on whether the new Constitution will be completed in time.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 26 January 2007

[hammered]

It is not just the number of MPs they have to look at but there is also the critical issue of how parties are funded. Previously it was done by party membership - a system that was chronically abused and checked only by the EC who had a huge backlog on checking for deaths, multiple party membership, and complete village sign ups without the individuals consent. And that is aside from the fact we now know the previous and jailed EC also favored one party over all others. Not only has little checking been done but there have also been other events. Huge factions have left parties and some have joined others, and presumably these have supporters still registered as members. I dont know what happens when a faction leaves but when for example the NAP was sucked into TRT all its members were automatically listed as TRT members without asking them.

Hopefully this issue will be either rectified with a lot of hard work and expense or made less important by finding a better way of providing state funding. Unless of course all politcal parties are disbanded making this meaningless.

This is just another issue that needs addressibng if fair elections are to be held. Then of course we could get into who all the local EC members are.

[Jai Dee]

CDC vice chairman Charan agreed w/ the idea to reduce number of members of the House of Representatives and senators

The Constitution Drafting Committee (CDC) vice chairman, Mr. Charan Phakdithanakul, supports Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont’s idea to reduce the number of members of the House of Representatives to 300 members and senators to 100 members. Accordingly, senators will be appointed, and Mr. Charan said public members should acknowledge this idea and provide feedbacks.

He said the important does not concern the number but the process of selection as it must be proportionate and able to counterpoise political influences. Besides, it will prevent the members of the House of Representatives from have too much authority and the plan to set up a presidential regime in the country.

Mr. Charan also insisted that the 35-member CDC will abide to the principle and will not prolong its power.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 27 January 2007

[Jai Dee]

NESAC urges people to contribute to the constitution draft

The National Economic and Social Advisory Council (NESAC) is inviting people to express their opinions on the new constitution draft. Seminars will be held in 23 provinces across Thailand for people to voice their ideas, and the event will start today in Surat Thani province from 8 AM to 4 PM.

NESAC member Sutham Wichutraipob (สุธรรม วิชชุไตรภพ) said the main points will focus on legislative, administrative and judicial powers, as well as constitutional organs, public participations, human rights and the fundamental policies of the government.

After ideas and opinions have been gathered at the seminars, NESAC will present them to the council’s meeting to summaries and later propose them to the government and the Constitution Drafting Council (CDC).

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 27 January 2007

[Jai Dee]

Charter-drafting committee meeting

The core charter-drafting committee meets today. Prasong Soonsiri, chairman of the Constitution Drafting Committee, and the 34 other writers will discuss committee functions.

Source: The Nation - 29 January 2007

[jumnien]

CNN just reported that the constitution drafting committee is made up of a majority of military officers. Scary.....

[Jai Dee]

Thai Rak Thai party worried new constitution may be less rounded

The Thai Rak Thai Party is worried that the new constitution may be "less rounded" (ถอยหลังกว่า) than the B.E. 2540 Constitution and would lead to a new round of political crisis, and it is preparing to ask constitutional judges to evaluate whether the Council for Democratic Reform's declarations were against the constitution and democracy.

Chusak Sirinil (ชูศักดิ์ ศิรินิล), head of the Thai Rak Thai Party's legal works committee, said that his party is concerned especially with the reduction of the number of House of Representatives members. Thus the party would like reconsideration on this point. It is also asking that the new constitution not lead to a repeat of the era when a military coup retained its power and reduced the powers of political parties and the people.

Mr. Chusak added that the Thai Rak Thai party is preparing to file documents to request the constitutional judges to evaluate which of the announcements made by the CDR were against the constitution and the democratic governance system.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 29 January 2007

[Jai Dee]

Palang Paen Din Thai Party submits suggestion on new constitution to PM

Palang Paen Din Thai (พลังแผ่นดินไทย) Partyhas submitted a list of suggestions regarding the new constitution to the prime minister. Meanwhile, the minister attached to the Office of the Prime Minister believes that the 15th and 27th announcements of the Council for Democratic Reform (CDR) are not an obstacle to participation of political parties and the general public in the constitution drafting.

Thirapat Serirangsan (ธีรภัทร์ เสรีรังสรรค์), the minister attached to PM’s Office, said that he will forward the party’s suggestion to the Committee for Popular Participation which will later submit it to the Constitution Drafting Assembly (CDA) for consideration. The minister viewed that popular participation in the constitution drafting will pave way for full-fledged democracy.

At the same time, the Palang Paen Din Thai Secretary Phira Phanasupon (พีระ พนาสุภน) suggested that CDA and the Constitution Drafting Committee (CDC) should apply the 1997 Constitution to the new one for speediness of the drafting process. In addition, Mr Phira thought that the new constitution should remain the rule requiring candidates for members of parliament to be members of a political party for at least 90 days before an election.

He added that the number of senators should remain at 200. However, half of them should be elected, while the other half appointed by the Cabinet. As for the prime minister, he said those who will assume the post must be elected.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 29 January 2007

[Jai Dee]

CDC... open to all ears regarding constitution drafting

Sqn.Ldr.Prasong Soonsiri (ประสงค์ สุ่นศิริ) said that the constitution Drafting Committee (CDC) will listen to opinions from all sides on the new constitution and work in cooperation with the Constitution Drafting Assembly (CDA). He added that the new constitution will be written in line with the Thai society.

Sqn.Ldr.Prasong Soonsiri, the CDC chairman, revealed that the CDC meeting today will discuss its working framework in general and divide the CDC members into groups to study the framework in details. As for the drafting of the new constitution, the chairman affirmed that CDC will consider public opinions on the constitution as much as possible.

Meanwhile, Somkid Lertphaitoon (สมคิด เลิศไพฑูรย์), the CDC secretary-general, said that chairmen of CDC’s subcommittees should be selected in line with their expertise. For example, Vicha Mahakun (วิชา มหาคุณ), the former judge of the Supreme Court, is suitable to be chairman of a subcommittee responsible for issues concerning independent organizations and court affairs. Jarun Pakdeethanakul (จรัญ ภักดีธนากุล), the permanent secretary of Justice, should be in charge of a subcommittee responsible for issues about the status of prime minister, members of parliament, senators, and political parties.

According to the CDC chairman, CDC will resort to debate if they disagree on the content of the new constitution.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 29 January 2007

[Jai Dee]

No predetermined constitution, says drafting panel chief

The chairman of Thailand's Constitution Drafting Committee, Prasong Soonsiri, on Monday affirmed there would be neither a predetermined constitution nor an imitation of existing foreign charters in the drafting process.

Brushing aside concerns by some political parties over a proposed reduction in the numbers of House representatives and senators, he said the committee had just outlined its planned course of performance and had established no particular framework.

It had not yet gone into detail on what the charter should be, he said, and there would be no predetermination regarding the constitutional end-product, as some critics have accused.

He said the committee would be open to recommendations from the public during the charter drafting process, and that it stands ready to seriously consider comments by political parties and all groups from the public for possible integration into the final draft charter.

Prasong said the committee would outline its planned performance framework clearly to ensure the drafting of the charter proceeds efficiently.

Three sub-committees would be formed to discuss and recommend constitutional clauses on personal freedom and rights of participation, decentralisation of power, and political institutions to be proposed to the full committee for consideration.

Asked whether foreign charters would be brought for comparison and consideration in the charter drafting process, he said only that the constitution of the Thai kingdom must be suitable to Thai society.

Adapting some features of foreign constitutions in Thailand's new charter could be done, Mr. Prasong said, noting that the drafters must consider what is suitable to the needs and nature of Thai society.

Asked whether the completed draft constitution would reflect the direction of Thai politics, he said the new charter will play a role in determining the future political development of Thailand's constitutional monarchy.

Source: TNA - 29 January 2007

[Jai Dee]

Palang Paendin Thai gave suggestions on charter draft to CDA

Palang Paendin Thai Party presented several suggestions on the new charter draft to the Constitution Drafting Assembly (CDA) chairman Noraniti Sethabutr.

Palang Paendin Thai leader Likhit Thiravekin together with his party members submitted their own version of the constitution draft to Mr. Noraniti. The draft was using the 1996 Constitution as a reference. The party would like its draft to act as a guideline for the CDA.

Inside the draft, it noticeably suggested the laws that should be amended such as the laws relating to the politicians’ qualifications and backgrounds. One of the ideas is to keep the original number of keep MPs while all 76 provinces will each select a senator. At the same time, 100 remaining senators will be chosen from different professions and specialties.

Palang Paendin also suggested that the education qualifications of constituency MPS should be removed as they tend to work closely with the local villagers, while the non-constituency MPs should be no less than 40 years of age with at least a bachelor degree.

In addition, the party would like the new constitution to allow a group of 50,000 public members to propose for a no-confidence motion against the Prime Minister and a group of 100,000 public members to propose for a constitutional amendment.

Mr. Noraniti thanked Palang Paendin Thai Party and vowed to consider the party’s suggestions and propose them to the Constitution Drafting Committee.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 29 January 2007

[cclub75]

They have an answer to all the problems : mai mi pen ha !

-big communication budget to prevent public from "rejecting" the new constitution

-and a law to prevent them to vote... against it.

-however, thai will still have the right to... not go voting.

ah ah ah ah

[it's so huge, that I suspect another piece of very bad journalism/reporting/translation from Nation...]

The Constitution Drafting Assembly has sought Bt3 billion from the Cabinet to frame the new charter and hold a plebiscite for its approval, a source said yesterday.

The CDA plans to spend heavily to publicise the new constitution to prevent the public from misunderstanding and rejecting it.

The CDA will also push for a law to punish those who could be planning to obstruct the plebiscite, the CDA deputy chairman said.

Concerning an allegation that some politicians might plan to hire a number of people nationwide to vote against the new charter draft in an attempt to undermine the junta's credibility, Seri Suwanpanont said the CDA would attempt to empower the referendum's restrictions by turning it into law.

That way, those who violated the law would face criminal charges.

However, Seri said the new law would not punish those who did not go to the ballot.

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2007/01/31...cs_30025587.php