Constitution Drafting Assembly Appointed by Royal Decree

[Jai Dee]

New Charter should focus on impartiality of MPs

Secretary-General of the Constitution Drafting Committee (CDC) indicates that the most concerning issue of the charter draft is not the status of members of parliaments but how to make MPs’ work truly independent.

Somkid Lertphaitoon (สมคิด เลิศไพฑูรย์), the CDC secretary-general, revealed that the CDC meeting today (January, 31) will decide whether MP candidates should be members of a political party for at least 90 days before an election. Mr Somkid said he thought that the 90-day period should be reduced to only 15-30 days long. In addition, the constitution should allow MPs to transfer to other parties only once during an election period.

Aside from the issue of MP transfer, Mr Somkid said that the meeting today will discuss the issue of Thai people’s rights and liberties in the new charter.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 01 February 2007

[Jai Dee]

CDC is considering granting voters the rights to direct impeachment

The Constitution Drafting Commission (CDC) yesterday considered ways to increase political participation by the public through direct impeachment of politicians.

Mr.Pakorn Preeyakorn (ปกรณ์ ปรียากร), the CDC spokesman, said that at the meeting, the CDC discussed such issues as voters' rights and freedom, public participation and power decentralisation to local administrative organizations.

The meeting focused on the media's freedom of expression and people's right to directly impeach holders of political positions.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 01 February 2007

[Jai Dee]

Chart Thai leader disagrees with a suggestion to reduce the number of MPs in the Constitution draft

As the draft of the new constitution appears to require a smaller number of Members of Parliament (MPs), Mr. Banharn Silapa-archa (บรรหาร ศิลปอาชา), Chart Thai Party leader, remarked that he personally disagreed and called for an acceptable reason for such reduction. He explained that the less the number of MPs, the fiercer an election campaign will be, which means vote buying will be more severe.

Mr. Banharn added that a Prime Minister should be picked among constituency MPs rather than party-list MPs, in order to solve the problem of party leaders spending a huge amount of money for the party to win.

The Chart Thai Party leader also suggested that the Constitution Drafting Commission (คณะกรรมาธิการยกร่างรัฐธรรมนูญ) should open a channel for political parties to give comments on the constitution draft. Nevertheless, the party's working group will submit the party’s opinion to the Constitution Drafting Assembly chairman for consideration.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 01 February 2007

[Jai Dee]

NESAC to arrange a seminar on the draft Constitution in Nakhon Sawan

The National Economic and Social Advisory Council (NESAC) plans to arrange a seminar in Nakhon Sawan to gather ideas for the new Constitution being drafted.

The NESAC plans to arrange a seminar in the topic of Democratic Constitution to gather ideas from residents in Nakhon Sawan. NESAC expected 150-200 figures to attend the seminar.

The ideas compiled from the seminar will be used as a guideline for the drafting of the new Constitution.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 01 February 2007

[Jai Dee]

Chart Thai proposes 3 ideas for the draft Consitution

A Chart Thai Party deputy leader proposed that the new Constitution being drafted should focus on creation of immunity for the country, people's empowerment and acquisition of political leaders who upholds sufficiency.

Mr.Somsak Prissananunthakul (สมศักดิ์ ปริศนานันทกุล), the Chart Thai deputy leader, said he would introduce the guideline to Mr.Noranit Sethabutr (นรนิติ เศรษฐบุตร), the Constitution Drafting Commission (CDC).

Mr.Noranit said he expected to present the party's suggestion to the commission on the 5th of February and also urged political parties to urgently offer ideas to the CDC because of their experience from the previous constitution.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 01 February 2007

[Jai Dee]

CDC chairman tells 35 members to be resolute

The chairman of the Constitution Drafting Committee (CDC), Squadron Leader Prasong Soonsiri, has asked all 35 committee members not to be shaken from the pressures from the outside. He would like them to continue to work for the good of the people and the country so political reform would really take place.

Squadron Leader Prasong said the CDC meeting today (Feb 1) will discuss the framework of the political institution as it is considered to be the mechanism for political reform and it is also directly related to the MPs and the Senate. The committee will determine the qualifications, the inspection process, and the application of political authority.

Squadron Leader Prasong said all sides are welcomed to voice their opinions and ideas to the CDC.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 01 February 2007

[Jai Dee]

CDC supports idea to upgrade whole election system

The Constitution Drafting Committee (CDC) meeting agrees with the proposal to upgrade the whole election system. The committee will draw attention to the senators’ origins and consider whether there should be list MPs.

Mr. Thongtong Chandrangsu, the CDC speaker, said that most of the CDC members see that Thailand, a country governed by constitutional monarchy, should have two parliaments, namely the House of Representatives and the Senate. However, the CDC members are still arguing about the issue concerning the senators’ origins. Nevertheless, Mr. Thongtong said the committee will have to listen to the ideas of public members.

The CDC is also deciding whether there should be list MPs, and if so, will the number be reduced. However, the meeting has come to a conclusion that the whole election system in Thailand will have to be rehashed, and the committee will inquire for more ideas and suggestions from the general public.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 01 February 2007

[hammered]

Sometimes it looks like things will never change. Proposals include making it easier for people to jump from one party to another. Is this really what is wanted, representatives who at the drop of a hat or with the changing winds of fortune can jump from a sinking party to a rising one to preserve their self interests? Political parties want to retain as many seats as possible so they basically will not have to fight each other to get into parliament. A maybe major again party is already talking of vote buying.

On the other hand power decentralization is being discussed and giving people a lot more power in selecting, rejecting and impeaching their local reps may be the way ahead in the medium term, although I am sure when the politcal parties get through with their ideas power decentralisation will disappear quickly.

I also wonder what exactly is meant by "immunity for the country, people's empowerment and acquisition of political leaders who upholds sufficiency" as proposed by one political party.

[Jai Dee]

CDC affirmed that the draft of new Constitution will be completed within April 19th

The Constitution Drafting Committee (CDC) has revealed that the framework on drafting the new Constitution has already been done. In addition, CDC has affirmed that the draft alone will be completed within April 19th.

Sqn.Ldr.Prasong Soonsiri (ประสงค์ สุ่นศิริ), the CDC chief, and Dr. Chermsak Pinthong (เจิมศักดิ์ ปิ่นทอง), the chief of standing committee, revealed the progress on drafting new Constitution. Sqn.Ldr. Prasong said that the CDC has set up three frameworks on drafting new Constitution, which are the rights and liberties of participation, decentralization, and election.

The primary details of new Constitution will be revealed and officials will afford participation. Then, the details will be revised and edited again.

Sqn.Ldr.Prasong has confirmed that the power of the new Constitution will override the old one and there is no succession of power.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 02 February 2007

[Jai Dee]

Institute of King Prajadhipok secretary-general says problems have to be truly realized when drafting the charter

The King Prajadhipok's Institute secretary-general, Mr. Borwornsak Uwanno, commented on the new constitution draft, saying problems need to be truly recognized so they can be solved correctly.

Mr. Borwornsak pointed out that one of the reasons why the 1997 Constitution encountered difficulties was due to unsuited political culture. He therefore would like people to consider the causes of different problems genuinely and ensure that the new charter will harmonize with the current political and social situations.

Mr. Borwornsak personally considers that the new constitution needs to focus on the political inspection system. He said it also has to promote impartiality, justice, and resolution in independent entities, to prevent any patronage system. For instance, the selection process in independent entities should be opened for the public to see.

The King Prajadhipok's Institute secretary-general said the drafters have to provide opportunities for all public members to give their ideas to the new charter equally. He said the plan has to be developed soon so public opinion would be formed successfully.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 02 February 2007

[Jai Dee]

CDA Chairman believes public confidence would increase once constitution drafting is completed

The Chairman of the Constitution Drafting Assembly believes that public confidence would increase once the last phase of the constitution drafting process is completed.

The Chairman of the Constitution Drafting Assembly (CDA), Mr. Noraniti Sethabutr (นรนิติ เศรษฐบุตร), conducted a speech entitled "Community Radio Stations as a Public Medium for National Security" at the Public Relations Department. Mr. Noraniti said that community radio stations needed to play a role in creating a public network and in encouraging public participation, while the constitution may include amendments to allow for the process. Mr. Noraniti said that the 9 constitutional frameworks are nearing completion, but no details could be revealed at the moment.

The CDA Chairman believes that once the final constitution drafting process is completed public confidence would re-emerge. Mr. Noraniti said that public input in the constitution drafting process has so far been miniscule, and people seeking to submit ideas may do so at parliament.

The CDA Chairman added that public consensus is currently needed for only the constitution drafting process as discussions on other political issues would take up too much time.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 05 February 2007

[Jai Dee]

Democrat party advises CDC limit power of politicians and state officials

Democrat party advises that the Constitutional Draft Committee (CDC) limit the power of politicians and state officials. The Party suggests that the new Constitution should afford more public participation and a balance in power between states officials and the general public.

Democrat party spokesman Ong-art Klampaiboon said over the past 4-5 years, politicians have abused too much of their power, leading to corruption.

Mr.Ong-art also said the new Constitution must place emphasis on fair and transparent, from the establishment of an Election Commission all the way through the election process.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 05 February 2007

[Jai Dee]

Thai Rak Thai asks charter drafters to use 1997 charter as model

The Thai Rak Thai Party Sunday called on constitution drafters to use the 1997 constitution as a model and to ensure that the prime minister be first elected as an MP.

Pongthep Thepkanchana, acting deputy leader of the Thai Rak Thai, said the 1997 charter, which was abolished by the September 19 coup, was considered as the best constitution in Thailand's history because it was drafted by people's representatives.

He said the Constitution Drafting Committee should retain good points of the 1997 charter and try to improve its weak points.

"The party would like to call on those tasked with drafting constitution to speed up their work so that the mandate could be returned to the people as soon as possible," Pongthep said.

He said the 1997 constitution had been in use for over nine years so it would be easy to improve its drawbacks.

Source: The Nation - 5 February 2007

[Jai Dee]

EC urges people to give ideas on new charter

The Election Commission (EC) of Tak urges the public to contribute their ideas and topics on the new charter by sending letters to the provincial PO Box 11.

The EC of Tak chairman, Mr. Chawarat Kalayanamitr, said the Constitution of the Kingdom of Thailand (Interim) Buddhist Era 2549 (2006) permits the EC to be one of the organizations to consider the ideas on the drafting of a new constitution. In addition, election commissioners Praphan Naikowit and Sodsri Sattayatham have been appointed as the Constitution Drafting Committee (CDC) members.

In order for the EC to propose the information and ideas on the new constitution to the Constitution Drafting Assembly (CDA), the EC of Tak would like people in the province to voice their thoughts on this issue to the EC, or they can send their letters to the provincial PO Box 11 before March 2nd, 2007.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 05 February 2007

[Jai Dee]

CDC Spokesman disagrees with PM on prohibition of Parliament dissolution

The Spokesman of the Constitution Drafting Committee (CDC) Somkid Lertpaitoon (สมคิด เลิศไพทูรย์) disagrees with Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont on prohibition of parliament dissolution, saying that the Constitution must stick to balance of power.

Mr. Somkid personally views that Parliamentary system must weigh the balance of power between the executive and legislative branches. He said that if House of Representatives (the executive branch) is allowed to carry censure debate against Prime Minister, but unable to dissolve Parliament, an inbalance of power may occur.

As for the withdrawal of politicians voted by people, Mr. Somkid said that the matter has to be considered carefully, especially the withdrawal against local politicians. According to the article 286 of the 1997 Constitution, people can ask for the withdrawal but they have to use 2 out of three votes of eligible votes.

Nevertheless, the Council for National Security (CNS) should set the clear-cut rules on drafting new Constitution as well as giving importance to the balance of power.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 05 February 2007

[Jai Dee]

NLA to extend public hearings on charter draft

Public Relations Committee of the National Legislative Assembly (NLA) informs that NLA will extend public hearings on the charter draft to the end of this February.

Pichien Amnatworaprasert (พิเชียร อำนาจวรประเสริฐ), the president of the NLA’s public relations committee, revealed that the Labour Academic's Club for Democracy had suggested that NLA should use previous constitutions, not only the 1997 Constitution, as references for the new charter drafting. The group also proposed that the new charter should be divided into ten sections and cover more issues about the well-being of laborers.

In response to criticism attacking NLA’s party this evening, Mr Pichien said that the party is not considered as a luxury because NLA does not use the government’s money to arrange it. He added that the party will serve as an informal meeting of all NLA members and help create good atmosphere among them.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 05 February 2007

[Jai Dee]

CDA holds a meeting today to discuss charter drafting progress

The Constitution Drafting Assembly (CDA) chairman, Mr. Noranit Sethabutr, said the CDA meeting is being held today (Feb 5) to consider the progress of drafting the new charter. All 35 members of the Constitution Drafting Committee (CDC) have been invited to provide the information of its work progress.

Mr. Noranit said the charter drafters are able to exchange their ideas and opinions in the meeting, and they can raise issues and questions openly. However, Mr. Noranit said he does not want to touch on the content of the draft just yet because he would like the CDC members to work at their utmost.

The CDA chairman disclosed that the work has progressed well, but he sees that the CDA and CDC may have to work on their coordination. He said this issue will have to be discussed.

Meanwhile, the Election Commission (EC) has completed the bill on the organization of public hearings. The EC and the CDA will have a discussion on the bill, and it will be submitted to the government and the National Legislative Assembly for further consideration in the future.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 05 February 2007

[Jai Dee]

CDA specified 20 points of the constitution draft

The Constitution Drafting Committee (CDC) has specified 20 points for the public members to contribute their ideas on.

CDC spokesman Pakorn Preeyakorn said the Constitution Drafting Assembly (CDA) meeting has approved the CDC’s charter drafting framework and the 20 constitutional issues for the general public to discuss. He said most of the issues are urgent issues that people commonly argue about. However, the 20 points can still be adjusted if people consider that additional topics are needed. The CDC will take the people’s opinions into consideration throughout 180-day drafting period.

The people’s opinions and ideas will be accumulated and considered during appropriate phases. The 20 points will be distributed to all committees in all provinces nationwide.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 05 February 2007

[Jai Dee]

Democrat Deputy Leader opposes constitution amendments regarding parliament members

The deputy head of the Democrat Party said that leading elements of the party as well as former parliamentary members disagreed with constitutional amendments that would limit the number of members of parliament.

The deputy leader of the Democrat Party, Mr. Withoon Nambuth (วิฑูรย์ นามบุตร ), revealed that leaders of the party and former members of parliament in the northeastern region opposed some enactments made to the new constitution. The meeting believes that the new constitution should not limit the number of members of parliament, as the insitution was still a refuge for citizens with grievances. Mr. Withoon said that there was also disagreement concerning regulations for parliament members to be elected from only 400 districts. The party belives that there should instead be 1 parliament member per 150,000 citizen.

The deputy leader of the Democrat Party said that a namelist should still be employed to select qualified candidates, and that MPs should not have to resign from their post when accepting a position in the executive branch. Mr. Withoon stated that Senate elections should be conducted by the general population so as not to restrict the rights of political aspirants.

Mr. Withoon added that the Prime Minister should be appointed through elections, while The Constituent Assembly and the Constitution Drafting Assembly should not make their constitution revisions overly complex.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 06 February 2007

[Jai Dee]

Democrat Party leader calls for government to provide more information to the public concerning changes to the constitution

The head of the Democrat Party has called on the government to provide sufficient information to the public concerning the drafting of the new constitution, especially in matters concerning new regulations imposed on political parties.

The Democrat Party leader, Mr. Abhisit Vejjajiva (อภิสิทธิ์ เวชชาชีวะ) addressed widespread concerns that there may be underground parties attempting to disrupt the drafting of the new constitution. Mr. Abhisit said that he would like members of the public to differentiate between underground political disruption and political protesting, the latter of which was endorsed by constitution principles. The Democrat leader said that the government should provide the proper information to the public and allow for a sufficient timeframe for public participation and consensus.

Mr. Abhisit said that he had not been informed of the Election Commission of Thailand's decision to call a meeting of all political parties on February 14, but affirmed that the Democrat Party would be happy to attend the meeting and express their viewpoint. Mr. Abhisit said that he would like the EC to set clear measures on what political activities are allowed at this time.

The Democrat Party leader added that he was not worried over constitutional amendments aimed at political parties but expressed his concern over changes in the constitution that may disrupt public rights and the nation's independence.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 06 February 2007

[Jai Dee]

1st draft charter to be completed in April

Constitution Drafting Committee (CDC) Chairman Prasong Soonsiri said the first constitutional draft should be completed by April 19th, 2007.

Sqn-Ldr Prasong Soonsiri stated that after the draft charter is completed, public opinions and ideas will be used to refine the draft, and the process should be done in May. Later, a public hearing will be held, and the new draft should be achieved in August or September of this year.

Sqn-Ldr Prasong is also confident that the draft will not be inferior to the 1997 Constitution because more issues have been considered and added such as the authority of the state, the rights of the general public, and the governmental inspection system. He said public members will have more chances to scrutinize politicians. The CDC is now considering what state officials’ rankings can be examined by the public. In addition, the CDC is also determining the ways to prevent politicians to get involved with government officials as well as the system to inspect independent entities. However, the CDC Chairman has admitted that the CDC is working very seriously on the content of the draft, and he said the committee is doing its best.

Sqn-Ldr Prasong said that the most important issue is that everything in the constitution must benefit the majority of Thai people in all groups and professions. Thus, all sides have to contribute their ideas so conclusion would be met.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 07 Febuary 2007

[ThaiGoon]

Sqn-Ldr Prasong is also confident that the draft will not be inferior to the 1997 Constitution because more issues have been considered and added such as the authority of the state, the rights of the general public, and the governmental inspection system. He said public members will have more chances to scrutinize politicians. The CDC is now considering what state officials’ rankings can be examined by the public. In addition, the CDC is also determining the ways to prevent politicians to get involved with government officials as well as the system to inspect independent entities. However, the CDC Chairman has admitted that the CDC is working very seriously on the content of the draft, and he said the committee is doing its best.

All great ideas!

[slimdog]

Drafters will make final decision not the people

Constitution drafters will be the final arbiters of what the new constitution will look like though members of the public may express views about what they want to see in the new constitution, senior drafters including chairman of the 35-person Constitution Drafting Committee (CDC) said Thursday.

"We will listen to all groups of the people but it will only be used as reference," CDC chairman Prasong Soonsiri told fellow charter writers. "Even if the public's view is the majority view, the committee will have to decide by weighting the pros and cons of the matter."

Prasong's remark came after growing expectation by various groups who have been submitting their own views and demands of what the new constitution should contain.

Before Prasong spoke, it was another senior charter writer Sriracha Panic who said the public should not have false expectations about their participatory role in the drafting process.

The Nation

source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/breakingne...newsid=30026334

[sriracha john]

Party list, single-MP electorates to be axed

The party-list MPs and single-MP constituency elections will be scrapped, the constitution drafting subcommittee chaired by Charan Pakdithanakul ruled yesterday.

The main reason for scrapping the party-list MPs is because the system allows capitalists to rise to power through money politics.

Charan had earlier voiced opposition against the party list MPs system on the grounds that it could lead to a presidential system, as some political parties cited they have overwhelming MPs support.

The subcommittee decided to maintain the number of constituency MPs at 400. It fears that politicians may oppose the new constitution if it reduces the number.

The subcommittee also ruled to scrap the single-MP constituency system to pave way for a multiple MP constituency system, in which each constituency will be larger and MP candidates who win the most votes respectively are elected in each province.

Vote counting will be changed from counting at the polling centre - where all ballots of that constituency are put together to be counted - and changed to combining three polling stations and counting the ballots in one place.

The new method of vote counting aims to curb electoral fraud by ballots or ballot boxes being changed on the way to the centre. The new method will also prevent canvassers from being able to check if voters vote for the candidate they want because the votes are not counted at the polling station.

The subcommittee also ruled against political parties merging during the administration and banned exit polls on the Election Day. They cannot decide yet whether to maintain the 90-day rule - in which MPs are required to be party members before the general election - or reduce the number of days they are required to be members.

The Nation

[slimdog]

The subcommittee also ruled to scrap the single-MP constituency system to pave way for a multiple MP constituency system, in which each constituency will be larger and MP candidates who win the most votes respectively are elected in each province.

The Nation

The main question here is, How big is each constituency ?

If they are talking about each province being one constituency, with say the top 5 vote winners being elected, then this will change the Thai electorial process quite considerably. Especially if each political party is only allowed to field one candidate.

Regardless of how popular a political party was, they could never win more than 20% of the seats.

Chart Thai could almost guarantee being in the top 5 in every constituency, so would benefit enormously as that 20% would also guarantee them being in any future government. With TRT splitting up into it's various factions, each one would probably get sufficient votes for at least 10 - 15% of the seats.

Unless I am reading this totally wrong, the way things are at the moment, the big losers would be the Democrat Party.

[Jai Dee]

Entertainment companies asked to help promote the drafting of new Constitution

Public Relations Committee of the National Legislative Assembly (NLA) has requested for cooperation from entertainment companies to help create public relations of drafting new Constitution, to encourage people participation.

Pichien Amnatworaprasert (พิเชียร อำนาจวรประเสริฐ), the president of the NLA’s public relations committee, has presided over a meeting attended by executives from GMM Grammy, Kantana Group, RS, Work Point Entertainment, Polyplus Entertainment.

The purpose of the meeting is to ask cooperation from all agencies to help promote the drafting of new Constitution.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 09 February 2007

[Jai Dee]

Election Commissioner says people show much interest in charter drafting

Election Commissioner Sumeth Upanisakorn (สุเมธ อุปนิสากร) disclosed that people have shown much interest in the constitution drafting and political issues as they have gained more knowledge about how to participate in politics.

Public forums on the new charter show that people want the new charter to introduce different rules such as those concerning the status of senates. Mr Sumeth added that the Election Commission had already submitted the draft of election’s voting rules to the government. This draft was mainly written in line with the election’s voting rules of the 1997 Constitution and foreign laws.

As for the making of a public hearing on the new constitution, the election commissioner said it will be similar to a general election. The Election Commission has suggested two types of ballots of the public hearing on the new charter.

The first type of ballots have two designated spaces for “agree” and “disagree” while the second type have “agree,” “disagree,” and “no comment.”

Ballot casters are required to mark one of the three spaces when asked whether they agree with the new charter draft.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 09 February 2007

[Jai Dee]

Ex-senator claims junta has own blueprint for new charter

There may be a need to draft yet another constitution after the current junta-sponsored one is finalised as the junta appears to be working on its own blueprint of what the 18th Constitution should look like, according to a leading former senator and a National Human Rights Commissioner.

Jon Ungphakorn, former senator and coordinator of the People's Democratic Forum, which is collecting public views of what should be included in the new charter, said yesterday that leading members of the Constitution Drafting Committee (CDC), including its chairman Prasong Soonsiri, said the committee would be the final arbiters of the new charter.

This a reflection of their unwillingness to truly listen to the voices of the people, Jon said, and points up that they are not elected by the people to carry out the task but appointed by the junta.

"I believe they already have a blueprint," Jon said. "The likelihood is that we'll have to draft a new charter. The constitution they're drafting doesn't reflect the public's views but those of the military."

Jon said keys issues such as welfare, community rights, freedom and liberty, along with freedom of the press would be the indicators of whether the new charter was backward or not.

The former senator warned both the junta and the drafters that they would risk rejection of the charter in the referendum.

"If the charter comes out badly, we shall propose that the constitution not be approved, even though the junta has forced us, under a rule that states that if the new charter is rejected then an older and even worse constitution from the past may be adopted. However, I believe that after we are through with the junta era there will be a new constitution drafted that will be better than the 1997 charter."

Jon added that the CDA had backtracked on an earlier agreement in order to allow Prasong, a figure close to the military and the anti-Thaksin Shinawatra People Alliance for Democracy, to become chairman of the drafting committee, which he said was proof the military actually controlled the drafting process.

"The design of the questionnaires for public feedback is also not being done to gauge independent views but to lead the public to certain conclusions," he told The Nation.

On Thursday a sub-committee of the CDC also decided to discontinue the party-list system in the new constitution.

This will affect a number of political aspirants who want to infuse substance into political parties, Jon said.

He added that scrapping the party list MPs would lead to politics based on personal charisma instead of party platforms and policies.

"It's dangerous. I'm very worried about the situation. If the finished product is backward, the public may be dissatisfied. Violence may be instigated by people resorting to dirty tactics against the junta, though I for one do not like the regime either," Jon said.

National Human Rights Commissioner Jaran Ditta-apichai expressed a similar view, saying he had also heard the junta already had a blueprint of what the draft charter should look like. "They will have a problem during the referendum if they don't change their stance," he said. "The CDC is not the final arbiter of the new charter; that view is simply wrong."

He added the scrapping of the party list would return Thai politics to the days when big parties had a huge advantage over smaller ones and members of civil society would be left out of formal politics.

"In any case I personally do not accept the junta-led process of drafting this constitution," said Jaran, who is also a co-founder of Friends of the 1997 People's Constitution Group.

"If it is not as good as the 1997 constitution we will certainly oppose it [during the referendum]."

Source: The Nation - 10 February 2007

[Jai Dee]

Democracy Confederation believes constitution should allow for easy dismissal of PM

The Democracy Confederation believes that the new constitution should include amendments to allow for easier dismissal of Prime Ministers.

The Chairman of the Democracy Confederation, MD Whaeng Thochirakarn (เหวง โตจิราการ), said that Thailand's new constitution has encouraged public participation, but that members of the Democracy Confederation have not sent a representative to the Constitution Drafting Assembly (CDA) and cannot be certain that the new constitution would be democratic. MD Whaeng said that the CDA stil lacks solid principles and may be lured to the dark side, resulting in a constitution based on bureaucratic polities.

The Democracy Confederation believes that the new constitution should include amendments that allow for an easy motion of no confidence for the Prime Minister. The group believes that the removal of politicians should also be simplified while greater legislative power should be granted to the public in order to encourage a true democracy. MD Waeng added if the new constitution did not contain democratic elements, the Democracy Confederation would continue its political movements.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 12 February 2007

[Jai Dee]

Democrat Party calls on CDA to include corruption laws in new constitution

The Democrat Party is calling on the Constitution Drafting Assembly (CDA) to include amendments in the new constitution that would allow for the prosecution of corrupt politicians regardless of whether the charges against them have expired.

Democrat Party Spokesperson Ong-arch Klampiboon (องอาจ คล้ามไพบูลย) said that the drafting of the new constitution should include greater democratic elements. He urged the Constitution Drafting Assembly (CDA) to focus their efforts in ensuring that constitution laws would allow proper administration of the nation, not by individuals, but by the people. Mr. Ong-arch said that the power of political parties should be limited, while the power of the public should be increased.

The Democrat Party Spokesperson said that legislature against vote-buying and corruption should be included as well. Mr. Ong-arch added that to ensure that corrupt politicians were prosecuted, corruption charges levied against them should have no expiration period and should allow for retrospective prosecution.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 12 February 2007