Bangkok: Pheu Thai is prepared to vote in principle to accept three draft constitutional amendments, emphasizing the party’s drafts as the main source of support while expressing concerns over a new constitution potentially being anchored in a “constitutional assembly” disconnected from the people.

According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Chanin Rungthanakiat, deputy spokesman for the Pheu Thai Party, announced the upcoming parliamentary meeting to consider Chapter 15 of the constitutional amendment draft on October 14-15. He stated that there are currently three draft amendments to the constitution awaiting parliamentary consideration: one from the Pheu Thai Party, one from the Prachachon Party, and one from the Bhumjaithai Party. The Pheu Thai Party confirmed its readiness to vote in principle for all amendments in the first reading, aiming to facilitate a smooth process for amending the constitution and establishing a Constitution Drafting Assembly (CDA) to draft a new constitution.

While agreeing in principle, the Pheu Thai Party harbors significant concerns about the details of the Bhumjaithai Party’s draft, particularly regarding the origin of the Constituent Assembly (CA). They argue that candidates for the CA can be directly selected by members of parliament without direct elections, which could result in a CA disconnected from the people and open to collusion.

Regarding the People’s Party’s draft, the structure of the Drafting Advisory Council, which is directly elected, remains a concern for the Pheu Thai Party. They fear it could be challenged by those seeking to obstruct the process, potentially leading to petitions to the Constitutional Court for interpretation and further delays in the constitutional amendment process.

The Pheu Thai Party advocates for using its draft as the primary framework for further consideration by the committee if all three drafts are approved in the first reading. This approach aims to ensure that the final draft is relevant to the public and reduces the risk of future submission to the Constitutional Court for interpretation.

Mr. Chanin elaborated on the Pheu Thai Party’s draft amendment regarding the acquisition of the Constituent Assembly, presenting it as a middle ground with a total of 151 members divided into two categories. The first category consists of 100 members indirectly elected by the people and parliament. Citizens will elect candidates for the CA in every province, with the Election Commission certifying the list before sending it to parliament for election. The second category involves 51 members appointed by Parliament from nominations by various professional organizations.

“We believe that under the constraints of the Constitutional Court’s ruling prohibiting direct citizen election of the Constituent Assembly, the Pheu Thai Party’s approach is realistic. A Constituent Assembly connected to the people reflects the political will of all parties, making collusion difficult and preventing any one party from monopolizing the majority,” Mr. Chanin stated. He also expressed hope that the new draft constitution would be approved by the Senate, without being susceptible to collusion or fixed matches.