Constitution Drafting Assembly Appointed by Royal Decree

[Jai Dee]

Charter drafter and MP gets jail

Thanaboon jiranuwat, a member of the Constitution Drafting Committee and National Legislative Assembly, will have to quit his posts after the Supreme Court sentenced him yesterday to 40 months in jail for writing a "dud" cheque.

Thanaboon has been detained at Bangkok Special Prison for one week following the verdict. The case was brought against him by the Friends of Seri Foundation (police chief Seripisut Temiyavej), with which he worked and had a conflict with.

CDC chairman Prasong Soonsiri said he would ask Justice Ministry permanent secretary Charan Phakdithanakul to ask Thanaboon to step down.

He would ask the Council for National Security to appoint a member to replace him.

Prasong said what happened would not affect the image of the CDC because the case occurred before Thanaboon was appointed to the committee.

CDC spokesman Thongtong Chandrangsu said there is no immunity for Thanaboon as the case had reached its final venue, and the CDC did not ban people fighting court cases from becoming members.

Source: The Nation - 21 February 2007

[MiG16]

I wonder if this has been reported amongst the various news on the Charter that Jaidee has kindly kept updates of....but anyhow even if it comes at the risk of repeating what has been said...its so crucial that I dont care even if its a repeat:

The members of Consitutional drafting committee has proposed to dissolve the NHRC (National Human Rights Commission) or combine with Ombudsman. This point is extremely crucial for the Thai.

Thailand's NHRC is one amongst 4 that exist in ASEAN countries, and in the past Thailand together with the Philippines has been in the forefront to work on establishing an ASEAN Human Rights Mechanism. Other countries such an independent commission exist include: Thailand, Philippines, Indonesia and Malaysia. Cambodia has recently agreed to establish its national commission, while also voicing support for the ASEAN wide body. True that in the political world such support will take years before it turns into substantive actions, but if the thailand body is to be dissolved, this would not be only a huge step back for thailand, but also for the entire region! The efforts has taken atleast 10 years of hard work before we reached this point.

without going into other contentious issues that this Constitution Drafting Committee are playing around with, the issue of the National Human Rights Commission in itself is already a huge blow and certainly a jump backward for thailand's democracy!!

I cant describe how mad this makes me!!!!!!

[ThaiGoon]

I wonder if this has been reported amongst the various news on the Charter that Jaidee has kindly kept updates of....but anyhow even if it comes at the risk of repeating what has been said...its so crucial that I dont care even if its a repeat:

The members of Consitutional drafting committee has proposed to dissolve the NHRC (National Human Rights Commission) or combine with Ombudsman. This point is extremely crucial for the Thai.

Thailand's NHRC is one amongst 4 that exist in ASEAN countries, and in the past Thailand together with the Philippines has been in the forefront to work on establishing an ASEAN Human Rights Mechanism. Other countries such an independent commission exist include: Thailand, Philippines, Indonesia and Malaysia. Cambodia has recently agreed to establish its national commission, while also voicing support for the ASEAN wide body. True that in the political world such support will take years before it turns into substantive actions, but if the thailand body is to be dissolved, this would not be only a huge step back for thailand, but also for the entire region! The efforts has taken atleast 10 years of hard work before we reached this point.

without going into other contentious issues that this Constitution Drafting Committee are playing around with, the issue of the National Human Rights Commission in itself is already a huge blow and certainly a jump backward for thailand's democracy!!

I cant describe how mad this makes me!!!!!!

That's pretty sad.

[slimdog]

I wonder if this has been reported amongst the various news on the Charter that Jaidee has kindly kept updates of....but anyhow even if it comes at the risk of repeating what has been said...its so crucial that I dont care even if its a repeat:

The members of Consitutional drafting committee has proposed to dissolve the NHRC (National Human Rights Commission) or combine with Ombudsman. This point is extremely crucial for the Thai.

Thailand's NHRC is one amongst 4 that exist in ASEAN countries, and in the past Thailand together with the Philippines has been in the forefront to work on establishing an ASEAN Human Rights Mechanism. Other countries such an independent commission exist include: Thailand, Philippines, Indonesia and Malaysia. Cambodia has recently agreed to establish its national commission, while also voicing support for the ASEAN wide body. True that in the political world such support will take years before it turns into substantive actions, but if the thailand body is to be dissolved, this would not be only a huge step back for thailand, but also for the entire region! The efforts has taken atleast 10 years of hard work before we reached this point.

without going into other contentious issues that this Constitution Drafting Committee are playing around with, the issue of the National Human Rights Commission in itself is already a huge blow and certainly a jump backward for thailand's democracy!!

I cant describe how mad this makes me!!!!!!

Whilst I totally agree with you that there should be no way that the NHRC should be dissolved, it does however need to be changed. One of the big failings of the NHRC has been the lack of any real power granted to it by the constitution (1997). Effectively it could only report it's findings to the house of representatives, and it had no power to take any action against any individual or groups who may have been in violation of peoples human rights. In contrast the office of the Ombudsman had loads of power, but was never used, as no one seemed to understand the function of the ombudsman..

For reference:

Constitution of the Kindom of Thailand (1997)

Section 200

The National Human Rights have the powers and duties as follows:

1) to examine and report the commission or omission of acts which violate human rights or which do not comply with obligations under international treaties to which Thailand is a party, and propose appropriate remedial measures to the person or agency committing or omitting such acts for taking action. In the case where it appears that no action has been taken as proposed, the Commission shall report to the National Assembly for further proceeding;

2) to propose to the National Assembly and the Council of Ministers policies and recommendations with regard to the revision of laws, rules or regulations for the purpose of promoting and protecting human rights;

3) to promote education, researches and the dissemination of knowledge on human rights;

4) to promote co-operation and co-ordination among Government agencies, private organisations, and other organisations in the field of human rights;

5) to prepare an annual report for the appraisal of situations in the sphere of human rights in the country and submit it to the National Assembly;

6) other powers and duties as provided by law.

In the performance of duties, the National Human Rights Commission shall also have regard to the interests of the country and the public.

The National Human Rights Commission has the power to demand relevant documents or evidence from any person or summon any person to give statements of fact including other powers for the purpose of performing its duties as provided by law.

At least the ombudsman had the power to take a matter either to the constitutional court or the administrative court for immediate ruling. Hopefully the new constitution will allow for a more powerful commission, and doesn't even consider the possibility of it being dissolved.

[MiG16]

Granted slimdog...that it has no power to take action against offenders. but we need to keep in mind that things like this are a process, same as democracy. nothing will ever be perfect. what worked 10 years ago may not work today because circumstances has changed.

same way with the human rights constitution..its a process that needs to evolve. for instance even though the Commission has no power to prosecute, it is already better than a few other in the region in that the Thailand one has the power to initiate an investigation WITHOUT having to receive a complaint from the public. in other countries, the commission DOES NOT have this power.

dissolving it, or making it any less independent is NOT the way to go.

[sriracha john]

I wonder if this has been reported amongst the various news on the Charter that Jaidee has kindly kept updates of....but anyhow even if it comes at the risk of repeating what has been said...its so crucial that I dont care even if its a repeat:

The members of Consitutional drafting committee has proposed to dissolve the NHRC (National Human Rights Commission) or combine with Ombudsman. This point is extremely crucial for the Thai.

Thailand's NHRC is one amongst 4 that exist in ASEAN countries, and in the past Thailand together with the Philippines has been in the forefront to work on establishing an ASEAN Human Rights Mechanism. Other countries such an independent commission exist include: Thailand, Philippines, Indonesia and Malaysia. Cambodia has recently agreed to establish its national commission, while also voicing support for the ASEAN wide body. True that in the political world such support will take years before it turns into substantive actions, but if the thailand body is to be dissolved, this would not be only a huge step back for thailand, but also for the entire region! The efforts has taken atleast 10 years of hard work before we reached this point.

without going into other contentious issues that this Constitution Drafting Committee are playing around with, the issue of the National Human Rights Commission in itself is already a huge blow and certainly a jump backward for thailand's democracy!!

I cant describe how mad this makes me!!!!!!

Do you have a link or source for this news, please?

[MiG16]

the source is an email from someone who is directly involved in this matter. obviously not something I can reveal here. but if you would like to hear more on the background of the NHRC as well as the work being done to lobby for some similar body at the ASEAN level, then feel free to PM me for links.

(although that link will not have info specific to Thailand either)

[sriracha john]

the source is an email from someone who is directly involved in this matter. obviously not something I can reveal here. but if you would like to hear more on the background of the NHRC as well as the work being done to lobby for some similar body at the ASEAN level, then feel free to PM me for links.

(although that link will not have info specific to Thailand either)

Thank you, but without outside confirmation... we have no real choice but to delay comment on it until such time as it is verified.

[slimdog]

Downsizing of NHRC opposed

The move to merge a smaller National Human Rights Commission with the Ombudsman would suffocate human rights and liberty in Thailand, a human rights network said Thursday.

"If it is abolished … there will surely be questions raised by Thais and the international community as to whether the human rights situation here is more regressive after the coup," the coalition of 90 organisations said in a statement.

The group had called a press conference in response to last month's proposal by a leading member of the Constitution Drafting Assembly to downsize and merge the NHRC.

The Ombudsman cannot act unless a complaint is filed. It deals mainly with the actions of government officials, while the NHRC's work is proactive. The NHRC has the duty to monitor both state and non-state human rights violations, propose laws and policies as well as educate the public about related issues, the statement said.

source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/breakingne...newsid=30028246

[Jai Dee]

CNS to converge to seek appropriate Constitution in the eyes of military

The Secretary Office of the Council for National Security (CNS) is preparing to organize a brainstorming session to seek appropriate Constitution under the constitutional monarchy in the eyes of military.

The CNS Secretary Office said the meeting will be held on March 14th-16th at the Ambassador Hotel, Chomtien (จอมเทียน), Pattaya (พัทยา), Chonburi (ชลบุรี). The purpose of the meeting is to encourage the military authorities to take part in drafting new Constitution by addressing their complaints about problems in the society as well as gathering information related to the national security.

The Permanent Secretary of Defence, Gen Winai Pathiyakul (วินัย ภัททิยกุล), will preside over the opening ceremony of the meeting. Meanwhile, the Constitution Drafting Assembly (CDA) Chairman Sqn Ldr Prasong Sunsiri (ประสงค์ สุ่นสิริ), Judge Advocate General Auttaporn Charoenpanich (อัฎฐพร เจริญพาณิช) will deliver speeches on the second day. The Commander in Chief of the Army Gen Sonthi Boonyaratkrin (สนธิ บุญยรัตกลิน) will preside over the closing ceremony.

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

[Mid]

and here's me thinking it was for the people ..........................

[Jai Dee]

Now comes the hard part: Public input

Drafters of the new constitution have promised to include good ideas from the public, but doubts persist if they will

The writing of a new constitution is reaching a crucial stage. The Constitu-tion Drafting Committee (CDC) met last week in Phetchaburi to "brainstorm" on ideas from its subcommittees on how the new charter should look.

The panel will next review ideas and proposals gathered from the general public before starting work on the charter draft.

It remains unclear if the drafters are prepared to adopt any proposals put forward by members of the public. Some charter writers suggested earlier that most of the content in the final draft would come from the drafters themselves.

There was concern that recommendations gathered from the public by the Constitution Drafting Assembly's (CDA) subcommittees at public hearings might be disregarded.

Such concerns have been echoed by some CDA members.

Chirmsak Pinthong, a former senator and now a CDA member, said on Tuesday that to allay people's fears, he had said he would join protests if the drafters ignored any good proposals people put forward.

Prasong Soonsiri, who heads the drafting committee, added to fears over the possible inclusion of "undemocratic" clauses in a new constitution.

He has voiced support to a proposal that the new charter should leave the option open for an unelected person to become prime minister.

This has raised suspicions of a conspiracy - that the powers-that-be may want such a controversial clause in the draft charter so that it would not be supported in a referendum.

If that scenario arises, under the interim constitution, the Council for National Security is empowered to pick any of the previous constitutions to be promulgated.

Suspicions that the new constitution is likely to be written in a way to serve the powers-that-be are justified, judging from the fact that the selection of the drafters was not totally valid - unlike the drafting of the previous charter, which occurred in a more democratic climate.

The Constitution of 1997 was dubbed the "People's Constitution" because the drafters were mostly elected and the drafting process incorporated proposals gathered at public hearings.

It was far different from the current drafting process.

The latest drafters were appointed as the result of a military coup and the sounding out of public opinion has been limited.

So, it is not surprising that many groups have campaigned against a new charter and lobbied for the entire draft to be rejected in the referendum.

If they are really sincere in creating a better, more efficient constitution than the 1997 statute, the drafters need to avoid clauses that could be controversial and risk being rejected in the referendum.

They should focus on rectifying flaws in the previous charter that allowed political interference and rampant corruption, the major reasons cited by the coup leaders for overthrowing the Thaksin Shinawatra administration.

Source: The Nation - 14 March 2007

[Jai Dee]

MPs to be jailed for concealing their wealth

CDA official sacked for failing to act on law publicity

Political office holders will face criminal prosecution on top of a five-year ban if they conceal their wealth or wilfully file false financial statements.

"Under the draft constitution, elected office holders are slated for stronger punishment if convicted for offences relating to asset declarations," Paiboon Warahapaitoon, who is in charge of drafting charter provisions on courts and independent organisations, said yesterday.

As criminal penalties are involved under the revamped rules, asset declaration cases will be litigated under the Supreme Court's Criminal Division for Holders of Political Positions, he said.

Under the last charter, such cases were heard by the Constitution Court.

On the drawing board, nine justices will sit on the Constitution Court bench - three from the Supreme Court, two from the Supreme Administrative Court and two each drawn from experts in the fields of law and public administration, he said.

Separately, the publicity committee of the Constitution Drafting Assembly decided to eject its chairman for incompetence.

Faced with fierce criticism from his colleagues, Pichien Amnart-woraprasert resigned to accept responsibility for the lack of public awareness on the charter-drafting progress.

Replacing Pichien is Jutinan Bhirompakdi, who vowed to encourage his committee to take a more proactive approach to the promotional campaign.

"I have to admit that the committee was too slow and I think the work procedures were at fault, not the committee members," he said.

One problem was the committee was still unable to disburse its Bt79-million budget, he added.

Democrat Party chief adviser Chuan Leekpai said authorities should strive for success in putting the new constitution up for a national vote.

Council for National Security secretary-general Winai Phattiyakul said earlier that the CNS could still hold a general election based on one of the suspended charters if the referendum failed.

"It's not acceptable to waste time and money for charter framing if there's no will to push for its promulgation," he said.

Chuan urged authorities to increase public understanding of a true parliamentary system.

He said the idea of limiting a prime minister to serving two four-year terms might be suitable for the presidential system but was not compatible with the parliamentary system.

He also disagreed with the idea of a non-elected prime minister, saying it could work in a mature democracy but would aggravate political instability if introduced to this country at this stage.

Source: The Nation - 14 March 2007

[Jai Dee]

Gen Boonsarng tells people not to panick, drafting Constitution will continue

Member of the Council for National Security (CNS) and Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, Gen Boonsarng Neampradit (บุญสร้าง เนียมประดิษฐ์ ), shrugged off rumours concerning cancellation in drafting new Constitution.

Gen. Boonsarng says that the cancellation in drafting new Constitution was a mere rumor. He has urged people to be rational when expressing ideas. He said that this is an important issue that the government should do to create understanding with people.

Gen. Boonsarng also says that time will prove to the people on the government's promises.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 14 March 2007

[Jai Dee]

Deputy CDA Chairman says 1997 constitution can be used as redrafting framework

The Deputy Chairman of the Constitution Drafting Assembly said that if the new constitution turned out to be unpopular, then the 1997 constitution would be used as a redrafting framework.

Deputy Constitution Drafting Assembly Chairman Seri Suwanpanon (เสรี สุวรรณภานนท์) said that the Secretary General of the Council for National Security (CNS), Gen Winai Pathiyakul (วินัย ภัททิยกุล) recently said that if the new constitution turned out to be unpopular, other constitutions from various years may be utilized as frameworks instead.

Mr. Seri said that other constitution frameworks could be redrafted within 30 days. He affirmed that the Constitution Drafting Assembly would attempt to make the new constitution as beneficial to the nation as possible, while members of the public would have decide for themselves whether they supported the new draft.

The Deputy CDA Chairman said that using the 1997 constitution as a framework for contingency constitutions was a good idea as the constitution was widely supported by the public. The 1997 constitution also possessed useful content for probing agencies and expediting political reform. Mr. Seri added that the new constitution's first draft would be completed by March 19.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 14 March 2007

[hammered]

Now comes the hard part: Public input

Drafters of the new constitution have promised to include good ideas from the public, but doubts persist if they will

The writing of a new constitution is reaching a crucial stage. The Constitu-tion Drafting Committee (CDC) met last week in Phetchaburi to "brainstorm" on ideas from its subcommittees on how the new charter should look.

The panel will next review ideas and proposals gathered from the general public before starting work on the charter draft.

It remains unclear if the drafters are prepared to adopt any proposals put forward by members of the public. Some charter writers suggested earlier that most of the content in the final draft would come from the drafters themselves.

There was concern that recommendations gathered from the public by the Constitution Drafting Assembly's (CDA) subcommittees at public hearings might be disregarded.

Such concerns have been echoed by some CDA members.

Chirmsak Pinthong, a former senator and now a CDA member, said on Tuesday that to allay people's fears, he had said he would join protests if the drafters ignored any good proposals people put forward.

Prasong Soonsiri, who heads the drafting committee, added to fears over the possible inclusion of "undemocratic" clauses in a new constitution.

He has voiced support to a proposal that the new charter should leave the option open for an unelected person to become prime minister.

This has raised suspicions of a conspiracy - that the powers-that-be may want such a controversial clause in the draft charter so that it would not be supported in a referendum.

If that scenario arises, under the interim constitution, the Council for National Security is empowered to pick any of the previous constitutions to be promulgated.

Suspicions that the new constitution is likely to be written in a way to serve the powers-that-be are justified, judging from the fact that the selection of the drafters was not totally valid - unlike the drafting of the previous charter, which occurred in a more democratic climate.

The Constitution of 1997 was dubbed the "People's Constitution" because the drafters were mostly elected and the drafting process incorporated proposals gathered at public hearings.

It was far different from the current drafting process.

The latest drafters were appointed as the result of a military coup and the sounding out of public opinion has been limited.

So, it is not surprising that many groups have campaigned against a new charter and lobbied for the entire draft to be rejected in the referendum.

If they are really sincere in creating a better, more efficient constitution than the 1997 statute, the drafters need to avoid clauses that could be controversial and risk being rejected in the referendum.

They should focus on rectifying flaws in the previous charter that allowed political interference and rampant corruption, the major reasons cited by the coup leaders for overthrowing the Thaksin Shinawatra administration.

Source: The Nation - 14 March 2007

But what is actually meant by input by the public? As with previous constitutions there is no mechanism for public input. This is true pretty much world wide too. What is meant is now is time for the political parties, NGOs, pressure groups and others who didnt get a seat at the drafting committee who claim to represent the people to push their agendas. It would be niaive to think anyone in any country really wanted the plebs to have any input. Nice spin though as the various interest groups line up to try to add or remove something or other. Oh what fun.

[Jai Dee]

CDA chairman admitted politicians used soliders to gain benefits after coups in past times

Constitutional Drafting Assembly (CDA) chairman Prasong Sunsiri (ประสงค์ สุ่นสิริ) admits that generally politicians would take the opportunity to utilize soldiers to their benefits and seek political advantages after each coup. He also said he is worried that previous groups of politicians would regain their roles after the upcoming general election.

Sqn. Ldr. Prasong Sunsiri, head of the CDA, spoke in a seminar arranged by the military, over an "appropriate constitution for democratic administration under constitutional monarchy". He said in the seminar that various academics and politicians would utilize the military to their benefits after each coup, adding that he is worried that the same groups of politicians would regain their roles and thus make Thai politics indifferent from the previous administration. However he affirmed that the CDA would draft the constitution to yield the highest benefit to the public as well to allow public acceptance in the new constitution.

Regarding certain parties' rejection of the draft of the new constitution, the CDA chairman indicated he was not worried over the matter. Constitutional Drafting Assembly (CDA) Chairman Prasong Sunsiri (ประสงค์ สุ่นสิริ) admitted that politicians have used soliders to gain benefits after coup d'etat.

Sqn Ldr, the Constitution Drafting Assembly (CDA) chairman, said during the special lecture regarding the Constitution suitable with the democracy system under the Constitutional Monarchy that after each time of the coup d'etat, some politicians used solider to gain political benefits. The CDA chairman also expressed concerns that the previous politicians will be back in prominent roles and said the politics will not be different than the time of the previous government. However, Sqn Ldr Prasong insisted the CDA will draft as best the Constitution for people.

The CDA chairman also expressed no concerns over the rumours of not accepting the Constitution.

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

[Jai Dee]

PM tells all sides to comment on charter draft after it is completed

Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont asks all sides to wait for the first constitutional draft to be completed in April before expressing their opinions.

Gen. Surayud refuses to express his opinion on the charter draft, especially on the issue relating to the Prime Minister’s origin, because the constitution is being drafted and he does not want to pressure the drafters. However, he says the government has assigned the Ministry of Interior and the Department of Provincial Administration to develop a better understanding on constitutional issues with the general public.

The Prime Minister affirms that his interim government has no plans to pass on the power after its one-year term. He insists that the government has an aim to solve problems in the society and push forward the next general election so Thai citizens can elect the people who will run the country.

Referring to the Council for National Security (CNS) Secretary-General’s comment to abolish the constitutional draft, Gen. Surayud says people can express their opinions on the draft and the security sector is responsible for inspecting it.

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

[Jai Dee]

Takua Pa voices opinions on charter draft

People of Takua Pa attend the public hearing on the constitutional draft.

Takua Pa district-chief officer Puwanart Akekarat (ภูวนารถ เอกรัตน์) presides over the public hearing at his district office. More than 150 public members join the event. One of the main topics being discussed is the qualifications of MPs and Senators. The majority of people would like the charter to abolish the party-list MPs.

The public hearing also consider other issues such as the conducts of politicians, the freedom of media, human rights, and decentralization.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 16 March 2007

[Jai Dee]

CDA reports on new constitution progress

A meeting of the Constitution Drafting Assembly (CDA) reported on progress made in the drafting of the new constitution.

A meeting of the Constitution Drafting Assembly in Cha-Am (ชะอำ ) district of Petchburi province yesterday involved discussions of work progress made in the framework of the new constitution, including issues of freedom rights, public participation, decentralization, political institutions, judicial systems, and indepedent investigation organizations. The details of these issues remain under scrutiny.

Meanwhile, a consortium of former senate members led by former Senate Chairman Suchon Charlykreu (สุชน ชาลีเครือ ) submitted letters of opposition to the Constitution Drafting Assembly's proposal that senate members are appointed through selection.

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

[Jai Dee]

Fierce debate on party-list MPs

Constitution drafters yesterday dismissed a proposal for the new charter to keep party-list MPs, which they claim it is a channel that big financial supporters exploit to yield influence in naitonal politics.

Meanwhile, other drafters rejected a bid to revive appointed senators, whom they believe would not represent the people as well as elected senators.

Yesterday's session of the 100-member Constitution Drafting Assembly (CDA) saw a fierce debate on the proposals of the constitution-drafting subcommittee, led by Justice Ministry permanent secretary Charan Pakdithanakul.

"The party-list system opens room for financial backers of political parties to bid for ministerial posts," Sawet Thinnakul said.

"If any of them have more than Bt100 million, they are up to be one of the candidates," he said.

Sawet said he was concerned that the subcommittee's proposal to continue having MPs elected via proportional representation meant the old days of dirty politics would return to haunt the country, and insisted that the party-list system be scrapped.

Lakchai Kittiphon said the Constitution Drafting Committee (CDC) had confused the people, as opinions gathered through public hearings nationwide showed the people did not want party-list MPs.

He did not understand why the panel chose to brush off the "voice of the people", he said, adding that the people might start to question the drafters' sincerity.

However, Chirmsak Pinthong wanted to keep the party-list MPs because he believed it was a way to help the country via skilled people who were not good at campaigning.

He said the big financial backers would definitely find a way to get into Parliament if they really wanted to be there.

A number of CDA members also disagreed with a proposal to change the Senate from an elected body, as in the defunct 1997 charter, to an appointed one.

Uthit Chuchuey said public hearings conducted by the CDA showed that people wanted senators to be elected, beause they would represent the voters directly.

Watchara Hongpraphas said people wanted elected senators because they would have legitimate power to impeach other politicians who were also elected.

Source: The Nation - 20 March 2007

[Jai Dee]

Policy Development Office calls for new constitution to stress on public policy

Director of the Research and Policy Development of the Policy Development Office says the new constitution should emphasize on public policy and draw people to participate more in the drafting of public policy.

Director of the Research and Policy Development, Dr.Saowalak Kittipraphat (เสาวลักษณ์ กิตติประภัสร์) indicates that many of the existing public policies have not met people’s needs and the implementation of the policies has encountered problems. As a result, the government should persuade people to play a more active role in public policy since the beginning of the drafting process.

Dr.Saowalak says further that the government should inform people of pros and cons of public policy. As for the Policy Development Office, it will keep pushing for efficiency of the policy and help people analyze problems in the society.

The Policy Development Office has planned to hold a forum to outline guidelines on people’s participation in public policy.

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

[Jai Dee]

CDA insists election to be held as scheduled

Constitution Drafting Assembly deputy chairman Decho Savananon insisted Tuesday that the next election would be held as scheduled or a year after the coup.

Decho made the pledge during a press conference held to announce the achievement of the CDA on the occasion of six months after the September 19 coup.

Decho said the Constitution Drafting Committee would start writing the charter draft on April 19 and public hearings would be held afterwards.

The public hearing process should be done by July 5, he said.

Source: The Nation - 20 March 2007

[Jai Dee]

Thailand's junta leader vows to hold election on schedule

Thailand's junta leader vowed Tuesday to hold a general election this year in accordance with the deadline set six months ago after the coup d'etat that ousted former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra.

'We need to hold a general election in accordance with the set schedule,' said Army Commander-in-Chief General Sonthi Boonyaratkalin, who headed the bloodless September 19 coup that overthrew Thaksin.

Thailand's junta has pledged to oversee the drafting of a new constitution to pave the way for a general election by October this year, a deadline that Sonthi reconfirmed Tuesday at a press conference marking the administration's sixth month in power.

Sonthi justified the coup by saying that Thailand had fallen into a 'bogus democracy' under Thaksin, that was more akin to a 'capitalist dictatorship.' He also repeated his claim that Thaksin had divided the nation into pro-Thaksin and anti-Thaksin camps.

Thaksin, a billionaire tycoon who was premier between 2001 to 2006, followed a populist platform that won him the support of the vast majority of Thailand's rural poor while his cabinet pursued business-friendly policies that allegedly favoured Thaksin's family telecommunications empire and the interests of cronies.

Despite accusing Thaksin and ministers of massive corruption, the junta has yet to bring any formal charges against the exiled former premier, although his wife and children face several cases of tax evasion and dubious business deals.

Sonthi excused the slow pace of justice, claiming the government was following legal procedures that could not be rushed.

Acting National Police Chief Seripisuth Temiyaves told the same press conference that he was pursuing six lese majeste cases against Thaksin that had already been sent to the General Attorney's Office for evaluation.

Under Thai law it is a crime to criticize or belittle the king or members of the royal family.

Thaksin was deemed a new phenomenon on Thailand's political scene, whose Thai Rak Thai party managed to win an overwhelming majority in parliament by promising policies to improve the lot of the poor, but undermined the power of Bangkok's traditional political elite, including the military establishment.

Source: DPA - 20 March 2007

[Hampstead]

So the press conference was meant to highlight all the positive acheivments by the new government over 6 months.

And with so much underacheivement over the last 6 months they resort to the tired over sold sales pitch of a new allegation being against taksin. Trying to cloud over the their own dismal record.

I can only imagine even the thai people are starting to see through these tactics and just mock this government

Edited March 20, 2007 by Hampstead

[hammered]

I understand that if the charter draft is rejected the CNS can select any previous charter to install as the country's new constitution. I wonder which one they will choose? I wonder if this will be announced before the referendum so that the vote becomes an either or? I wonder how this will delay a return to democracy?

Funny how all the public hearings reject the idea of party list MPs but those with a vested interest want to retain them. I wonder which way the drafters will go?

Funny how utterly discredited elected senators from a senate regarded as the worst ever in Thailand now want to retain elected senators. It may be worth remembering that at one time the US had unelected senators. This came about because the drafters did not trust the masses. At a later date as the politcal system matured the US obviously changed this system to an elected one. The longest running and most stable democracy in the world is the that of the UK. They have done fine for hundreds of years with an unelected upper house and are only now tentatively moving towards an elected one. In fact it is funny that the longest running democracy in the world does not even have a constitution. I sometimes wonder if it would be better if people took a step back and looked at things as a process. Thailand has only been non-feudal for 70 years after all. The so called people's charter of 1997 contained some fine ideals and assumtions and would have been a model constitution in a mature democracy. However, Thailand at this stage is not and wasnt then a mature democracy and just because you write up and establish a set of checks and balances and formal equality it doesnt mean they are going to work if society is not ready for them. The ideals of 1997 are something that cannot be established overnight. At this point Thailand it would seem imho needs something different but at the same time it needs to also chart a course towards those lofty but unfortunately exploited and failed ideals of the previous charter. It would also seem that the country also needs tro address issues that cannot be resolved by constitutions too such as the increasingly inequitable distribution of wealth (and all that stems from this) in the country, and it was one of the worst in the world to start with.

It seems petty to squabble over whether you want elected or unelected senators or party list MPs when most know those that fill these positions will come form the same class and mostly be the same people at this stage in Thailand whichever sytem you select.

[slimdog]

Constitution chairman wants to amnesty for coup leaders included in draft

The Constitution Drafting Committee's chairman Prasong Soonsiri Tuesday asked the panel to ensure that the military junta will be given amnesty under the new constitution currently being drafted.

If so, it will be a first-ever amnesty in any of the so-called "permanent" constitutions.

"If staging a coup is wrong under the new charter, will the Council for National Security (CNS) be tried in a Military Court or what? It won't be fair to them if after the charter is adopted, they all ended up going to jail," Prasong told fellow drafters during the meeting.

source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/breakingne...newsid=30029790

[MiG16]

Downsizing of NHRC opposed

The move to merge a smaller National Human Rights Commission with the Ombudsman would suffocate human rights and liberty in Thailand, a human rights network said Thursday.

"If it is abolished … there will surely be questions raised by Thais and the international community as to whether the human rights situation here is more regressive after the coup," the coalition of 90 organisations said in a statement.

The group had called a press conference in response to last month's proposal by a leading member of the Constitution Drafting Assembly to downsize and merge the NHRC.

The Ombudsman cannot act unless a complaint is filed. It deals mainly with the actions of government officials, while the NHRC's work is proactive. The NHRC has the duty to monitor both state and non-state human rights violations, propose laws and policies as well as educate the public about related issues, the statement said.

source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/breakingne...newsid=30028246

thanks for posting the link slimdog. so although a day early...my news is not hearsay

still to be seen what is to happen. although PM Surayud publicly has announced thailand's support and commitment to the set up of an ASEAN human rights mechanism. would be a lot of questions to answer as to why they would then choose to abolish the existing national body. (hoping this is more pressure on them to not do it)

[Meerkat]

Constitution chairman wants to amnesty for coup leaders included in draft

The Constitution Drafting Committee's chairman Prasong Soonsiri Tuesday asked the panel to ensure that the military junta will be given amnesty under the new constitution currently being drafted.

If so, it will be a first-ever amnesty in any of the so-called "permanent" constitutions.

"If staging a coup is wrong under the new charter, will the Council for National Security (CNS) be tried in a Military Court or what? It won't be fair to them if after the charter is adopted, they all ended up going to jail," Prasong told fellow drafters during the meeting.

source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/breakingne...newsid=30029790

Not exactly unexpected, but it does kind of make a complete mockery of the whole aspiration of moving (back) to democracy.

Wonder what the new political system will be called in Thailand. "Constitutional Monarchy with Military Oversight" maybe?

[Jai Dee]

Democrat party leader suggests CNS chairman to make clear regarding the Constitution draft

The Democrat party leader suggests that the Council for National Security (CNS) chairman to make clear which Constitution would be put to use should the current Constitution draft does not pass referendum.

Speaking on the movements to overthrow the Constitution draft, currently in the draftings process, Democrat party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva suggested that the CNS chairman, Gen. Sonthi Boonyaratkalin, make clear which Constitution would be used, should the current Constitution draft is not passed in the process of referendum, so that people know what to expect if the Constitution draft is overthrown.

Regarding the the Constitution drafting Council's idea to legislate amnesty for the Council for National Security (CNS) in the Constitution, Mr. Abhisit suggested the council put all efforts on drafting the most democratic Constitution instead.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 23 March 2007