Bangkok: Nattawut Buapratum, a prominent party-list MP for the People’s Party (P.P.P.) and chairman of the parliamentary committee overseeing the draft constitutional amendment, is anticipating a decisive answer today regarding the progression of the constitution’s drafting. He has acknowledged the possibility of an early dissolution of Parliament by the Prime Minister and expects that if the committee reaches an agreement, it will be considered before the end of November.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Nattawut provided insights into the current status of the constitutional draft during an interview. He mentioned that any disagreements within the committee, particularly concerning the mechanisms of drafting or receiving opinions, should see more concrete outcomes today. Mr. Nattawut emphasized that whether to hold a special session of Parliament or the government’s direction is not something he can comment on behalf of the committee. However, he assured that once the deliberations are complete, a report will be submitted to the Speaker of the House for government coordination. If deliberations conclude during the recess, he expressed a desire to convene a special session to address constitutional and other legislative considerations.
Questions arose regarding the Prime Minister’s potential early dissolution of the House of Representatives, to which Mr. Nattawut responded that the committee is taking this information into account but remains committed to the initial timeline. If differences can be resolved, the drafting process may be expedited, potentially finishing by the end of November.
Mr. Nattawut further elaborated on the differences of opinion regarding the Constitution Drafting Assembly (CDA). The People’s Party’s draft uses the term “drafting committee” and includes an advisory council, while the Bhumjaithai Party and Pheu Thai Party’s drafts refer to a “CDA” with different origins. The principle agreed upon is the necessity of a Constitution Drafting Committee, but the format-whether a committee, CDA, or another form-will be determined today.
He also discussed the consultation mechanism, suggesting that the advisory council should be directly elected. While some members expressed concerns about potential conflicts with the Constitutional Court’s rulings, Mr. Nattawut noted there is no disagreement on the principles of constitution-drafting and consultation mechanisms, only differences in terms, authority, and origin.