DATELINE BANGKOK

New charter must reflect people's wishes

Daily News Editorial _ Members of the public should take an active role in shaping the next constitution now being written by the Constitution Drafting Committee (CDC). The 35-member committee is expected to complete the first draft on April 19. Copies of the draft will be distributed to the public, whose feedback will be considered by the committee.

Further public deliberation on the second draft will start around June 16, and the final draft is expected to be completed by July 5.

Political parties are given a small role to play in this political exercise, probably out of fear that they may try to influence the drafting procedure. But suggestions made by people who are not political party members are not being well received, either.

Interim Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont drew the ire of politicians by suggesting that the number of members in the House of Representatives be reduced to 300 from the 500 stated in the 1997 Constitution, which was abrogated by the coup-makers on Sept 19 last year.

CDC chairman Prasong Soonsiri denied the allegation that drafters already had a model constitution in mind.

Critics fear that the new constitution might be written in such a way that it will be rejected in a national referendum, thus allowing the Council for National Security to pick any previous constitution for promulgation.

It is, therefore, crucial for members of the public to air their opinions on the content of the new constitution. These opinions must be taken into consideration by the CDC. The new charter must reflect the wishes and aspirations of the Thai people.

Bangkok Post
Wednesday January 31, 2007