Bangkok: “Prit” has affirmed his commitment to voting in accordance with the People’s Party’s main constitution draft, while maintaining the existing Constitution Drafting Committee structure. Despite the Advisory Council’s rejection of a proposed 20-to-1 model, he aims to prevent any obstruction during the second reading. He noted the majority’s opposition to Pheu Thai’s proposal to increase the Constituent Assembly’s size, citing concerns over potential monopolization by a single party.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Panusaya Wacharasindhu, a party-list MP for the People’s Party, expressed support for the party’s main draft during a Constitutional Drafting Committee meeting. The meeting had proposed the elimination of the Constitution Drafting Assembly (CDA). Mr. Panusaya emphasized that the People’s Party aims to enhance public participation without infringing on the Constitutional Court’s ruling.
Mr. Panusaya outlined two mechanisms proposed by the People’s Party. The first involves forming a drafting committee comprising members of parliament, with a majority approving the meeting. In contrast, the Pheu Thai Party has suggested a Constituent Assembly (CA) to precede the drafting committee, which the People’s Party believes is not directly elected by the populace. They argue that including a non-elected CA could distance drafters from the public and potentially lead to political monopolization.
The committee’s majority voted against introducing a non-elected Constituent Assembly (CA), advocating for the retention of the People’s Party’s mechanisms. Mr. Panusaya clarified that reports suggesting the removal of the CA are inaccurate.
The second mechanism involves the People’s Party’s Advisory Council, tasked with gathering opinions. However, the majority agreed to abolish the council over concerns of potential violations of the Constitutional Court ruling.
Mr. Panusaya reiterated the People’s Party’s commitment to its draft, opposing the expansion of a non-elected Constituent Assembly (CAC) and supporting direct election by the advisory council. He noted that other parties and the Senate voted to eliminate the people-elected mechanism.
Mr. Pris addressed the consideration of Section 256/5 pertaining to drafting committee selection criteria. The Prachachon Party proposed a “20-for-1” formula, ensuring no single party monopolizes the committee. A consensus on this point seems likely.
Regarding potential obstructions in the second reading, Mr. Pris acknowledged the challenges ahead but stressed the importance of committee-level efforts and consensus-building.
In response to inquiries about possible reversion to the Bhumjaithai Party’s draft, Mr. Pris clarified the distinctions between the drafts.
Mr. Panusaya confirmed a special session in line with the People’s Party’s Article 151 motion for censure. If the draft review remains unfinished by year-end, a no-confidence motion will be filed, necessitating a special session before December 12th. He assured that the session will proceed, allowing the committee to finalize and present its report.
Addressing concerns about MOA violations, Mr. Pris underscored the importance of protecting the People’s Party draft, emphasizing anti-monopoly and public participation principles. He concluded that the draft must reflect parliamentary consensus and public needs.