Bangkok: Mr. Nattapong Ruangpanyawut, a Member of Parliament and leader of the People's Party (PPP), has clarified his stance regarding the current political climate, emphasizing his opposition to the "blue regime," which he equates to the military junta, rather than targeting any specific political party.
According to Thai News Agency, Nattapong countered the statements made by Mr. Nikorn Chamnong, a Bhumjaithai Party list MP, warning against misinterpreting the Constitutional Court's intentions. He stressed the importance of delaying constitutional amendments and reassessing the origins of the Constitutional Drafting Committee to ensure its accountability to the people.
Nattapong expressed that the PPP is determined to challenge the expansive "blue" political system, which extends beyond the Bhumjaithai Party and includes independent organizations, government agencies, and political entities linked to government concessionaires. These groups, he argues, support a system that culminates in the constitution as the ultimate law. He highlighted the possibility of the Constitutional Assembly members being directly elected by the populace, although the PPP has yet to finalize its position. Nattapong reaffirmed the party's commitment to revising the draft constitution to foster a stronger connection with the electorate.
In a call to action, Nattapong urged all political parties to reconsider the foundation of the Constitutional Drafting Committee. He advocated for a committee that is directly elected by the people, aligning with the Constitutional Court judges' opinions. He suggested that the parliamentary session to consider the draft constitution could be postponed to allow for the development of a more robust constitution.
Addressing Mr. Nikorn's remarks regarding the applicability of the Constitutional Court judges' opinions, Nattapong emphasized that these reflect the intent of the ruling. He cautioned against distorting the judges' intent and criticized attempts to proceed with a constitution draft that deviates from public expectations.
Regarding the potential postponement of constitutional amendments, Nattapong mentioned that the PPP is open to discussions with the Senate, provided it genuinely represents the people and is not swayed by political groups. He underscored the necessity for a constitutional drafting process that aligns with the judges' recommendations and enhances the committee's accountability to the electorate. Nattapong warned that if the current process persists without incorporating public desires, it would reveal fundamental flaws in the system.