Bangkok: Chonlanan has expressed concerns that the ongoing constitutional amendment process is being used as leverage in negotiating a no-confidence motion. He criticized Pheu Thai for allegedly distorting facts and delaying the process, emphasizing that such tactics would not benefit any involved parties.
According to Thai News Agency, Dr. Cholanat Srikaew, a Pheu Thai Party MP and a member of the drafting committee for the 2017 Constitutional Amendment, reported that the committee's progress has been slow. Each section of the draft has been amended from the initially accepted principles, with numerous details needing consideration. The deliberation process remains unclear and inconsistent, further delaying the committee's work. The committee, initially set to meet ten times, has only convened nine times and reviewed three sections, making the deadline for completion unlikely.
Dr. Cholanat mentioned that the second reading of the extraordinary session of Parliament, originally scheduled for November 24-25, is unlikely to be completed in time. Consequently, the session to consider the draft amendment to the 2017 Constitution is expected to take place from December 8-10, as announced by Mr. Paradorn Prisananantakul of the Bhumjaithai Party, before the regular session resumes on December 12. The third reading is slated for late December, aligning with the Bhumjaithai Party's timeline.
Dr. Cholanat addressed allegations suggesting that the delays were due to Pheu Thai's attempts to disrupt meetings and stall each section. He called these claims a serious distortion of facts, emphasizing that Pheu Thai has advocated for amendments to the 2017 Constitution since the 2023 election. He acknowledged, however, that many believe the delays are politically motivated, with some parties using the amendments as leverage against the opposition's no-confidence motion. The Prachachon Party argues against submitting the no-confidence motion, citing the incomplete status of the constitutional amendment as a barrier to challenging the government. Dr. Cholanat urged all parties to cease mudslinging and focus on transparent communication, as it would benefit no one to continue with unfounded accusations.