Thailand's road to democracy

General News - Tuesday December 11, 2007

DATELINE Bangkok

Thailand's road to democracy

Matichon Editorial _ Yesterday was Constitution Day but there was little fanfare to mark this important milestone in our political history.

Since constitutional monarchy was established on 24 June 1932, the country has gone through several tumultuous events. Sixteen constitutions have been written and torn up by coup-makers during the past 75 years. The current constitution was written under the behest of the Council for National Security, which removed the elected government of prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra in the Sept 19, 2006 coup.

On average, each of our previous constitutions had a lifespan of just four years.

In theory, the constitution is the highest law of the land. But military officers with a thirst for power always tear up the constitution when they seize power by force. Ordinary people are robbed of their rights and freedoms under the constitution. When the People's Constitution was promulgated in October 1997, it was hoped this would lead to lasting political reform and put an end to coups. But the 1997 constitution died along with the Thaksin administration in the Sept 19 coup last year.

The present constitution was approved in a referendum last August, amid strong opposition by a large number of people who saw it as a vehicle to perpetuate the power of the coup-makers. Some political parties have declared their intention to amend this constitution if they are in the next government.

Given the untimely demise of so many of our previous constitutions, Thailand's democracy may be likened to a toddler. We should be patient, however, and help the toddler to learn to walk by itself. At the same time, the power-holders should not exploit the current constitution for their own gain. There must be consistent efforts to educate the public about the contents of the charter. Any articles that are considered to be flawed can be amended through the political system.

By : Bangkok Post