Bangkok: Senator Nanthana has voiced concerns over the current approach to constitution drafting, citing public demand for reversing the majority decision of the Constitution Drafting Committee due to insufficient public participation.
According to Thai News Agency, Senator Nanthana criticized the self-selection process, likening it to the Senate’s structure, which she claims is designed to preserve the power of entrenched political interests.
The ongoing joint parliamentary session is engaged in a debate on the draft amendment to the Constitution of the Kingdom of Thailand, focusing on Article 4. The committee has proposed forming a 35-member Constitution Drafting Committee, selected using a 20-to-1 formula by Parliament, along with a separate committee to encourage public participation. Both committees are to be selected through a similar process.
Senator Nantana Nantavaropas expressed public discontent over the committee’s decision to exclude direct elections for constitution drafters. She argued that allowing Parliament to select these drafters through self-nomination undermines the draft amendment put forward by Parit Wacharasindhu of the People’s Party. The People’s Network for Constitution Drafting has also urged Parliament to establish a publicly elected Constitutional Drafting Assembly. Nantana warned that the 20-pick-1 selection system lacks accountability, as many Senators are not elected by the public, which could skew the committee’s composition towards political party interests.
Senator Tewarit Maneechai expressed disappointment over not being able to propose amendments, citing concerns about the Constitutional Court’s ruling. He criticized the removal of polling booths, which he believes limits public participation. Tewarit called for an elected Constitutional Advisory Council to ensure public involvement from the start and urged minority committee members to agree on a model for public engagement.
MP Jittipoj Viriyaroj from the Pheu Thai Party highlighted flaws in the 20-to-1 formula, arguing that it enables small groups to dominate the constitutional process with minimal votes. He warned that this system could lead to a constitution that favors specific political factions if a party or group with enough MPs and Senators gains control. Jittipoj stressed the importance of a constitution that truly represents the Thai people, cautioning against any distortion that benefits particular groups.