Bangkok: Chonlanan sees the Prime Minister as challenging and threatening the opposition, with the potential to review and amend the constitutional drafting committee’s selection formula. He suggested the possibility of extending the censure motion submission period and expressed readiness to cancel the constitutional amendment board if desired outcomes are not achieved before the third reading vote.
According to Thai News Agency, Dr. Cholanat Srikaew, a Pheu Thai Party MP for Nan and a member of the committee for the draft constitution amendment, addressed Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul’s decision to dissolve Parliament on December 12. He labeled this move as a challenge and a threat to the opposition, hindering their efforts to submit a motion for a no-confidence vote. The constitutional amendments imply that responsibility should not fall on the prime minister, which he described as holding the draft constitution hostage.
Dr. Cholanat emphasized that filing a censure motion is a priority for the Pheu Thai Party, as noted by Mr. Chulaphan Amornvivat, party leader. He highlighted the importance of constitutional amendments to ensure a democratic drafting process, free from any party’s influence, focusing on a people-oriented constitution.
He also pointed out concerns regarding the constitutional amendments and the formation of the Constitution Drafting Committee. The committee, dominated by a political faction, impedes drafting a superior constitution compared to the 2017 version. Therefore, he stated it is legitimate for the Pheu Thai Party to submit a no-confidence motion after the second reading of the amendment.
When asked about the timing of the no-confidence motion, Dr. Cholanat explained that main sections of the draft have passed, but 16 supplementary sections await consideration. The committee is formed through a political process, raising concerns about the influence of the majority political party in the next parliamentary session.
Dr. Cholanat proposed reviewing the content of the draft to allow more independent candidates by removing the requirement for 100 public endorsements. He suggested a consensus approach for selecting the Constitution Drafting Committee members, requiring votes from both the opposition and the Senate.
He acknowledged attempts to oppose these proposals but emphasized the importance of genuine consensus and agreement from all parties. The Pheu Thai Party aims to meet both its objectives collaboratively, considering proposals to prevent monopolization by the drafters.
The “20-to-1” method was discussed as a means to allow minority votes while ultimately relying on a majority decision. Dr. Cholanat acknowledged concerns about the process, suggesting that the selected committee might genuinely seek to draft a constitution without political bias.