Bangkok: Thai Sang Thai Party unveiled a draft constitutional amendment to promote “returning power to the people and restoring the rule of law.” The plan paves the way for the removal of independent organizations, amending the membership termination rules, and closing the loopholes for “snake-headed” MPs. Furthermore, it will unlock laws that hinder economic growth and create a path for the prime minister to be chosen from MPs, ensuring continued governance and a true reflection of the people’s will.
According to Thai News Agency, the Thai Sang Thai Party held a press conference to propose a draft amendment to the Constitution of the Kingdom of Thailand. The five main points focus on improving the mechanism for scrutinizing state power to be linked to the people, strengthening the rule of law, and raising the level of accountability of independent organizations. They also include expanding channels for more stable national governance. Dr. Pokin Bholakul, Chairman of the Thai Sang Thai Party’s National Strategy Committee, along with Khunying Sudarat Keyuraphan, Party Leader, and Mr. Chatchawan Paetayathai, Party Secretary-General, attended the press conference and explained the essence of the draft amendment.
Dr. Pokin stated that the proposed constitutional amendment aims to make the constitution truly belong to the people. The first key element is to provide citizens with the opportunity to participate in the scrutiny and removal of those holding positions in independent organizations, Constitutional Court judges, and the Auditor General. At least 50,000 citizens can petition the Speaker of the House of Representatives to remove them. This will enhance transparency in the scrutiny process and reduce the influence of political interest groups.
Meanwhile, the Thai Sang Thai Party has proposed amending Section 77 to ensure the repeal or amendment of laws that hinder livelihoods and occupations. If government agencies fail to take action, citizens can submit their complaints to the Ombudsman for consideration. This represents a new mechanism to make laws more responsive to citizens’ lives.
Furthermore, this draft constitutional amendment aims to address political discontinuity by proposing that if the House of Representatives is unable to select a prime minister from among the party lists, it be allowed to nominate any member of the House of Representatives deemed suitable to serve as prime minister. This will prevent the country from experiencing a political vacuum and allow for the continuation of national administration.
Another important issue is the adjustment of the criteria for the expulsion of MPs from political parties. The decision of a political party must be approved by both the party’s executive committee and at least three-quarters of the MPs present. This ensures that the decision-making process is fair and truly reflects the political party’s intentions. The expelled party also allows the right to appeal to the Constitutional Court.
Furthermore, this draft constitutional amendment proposes to repeal the legal effect of announcements, orders, and actions of the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO), deeming them as contrary to or inconsistent with the Constitution and invalid, in order to fully restore the rule of law and justice to Thai society.
Khunying Sudarat reiterated that the Thai Sang Thai Party has urgent proposals to break the constitutional impasse, which align with the view of many parties that constitutional amendments are necessary. Currently, three political parties have proposed draft amendments to the constitution, but the first step is only to allow for a referendum to ask the public whether they approve the amendments. This amendment is merely a key to unlocking the door, requiring several more steps.
Therefore, the Thai Sang Thai Party believes that simply waiting for these steps to proceed is insufficient. This is due to unfair political rules, the lack of opportunity for the prime ministerial position by the top party to nominate its own candidate, and the ethical issues of politicians, which have led to a loss of public confidence in political parties and the Thai democratic system. The proposed constitutional amendment will be discussed with all sectors to demonstrate mutual benefit. The amendment can be implemented immediately, without waiting for a referendum, taking only one month and focusing on creating a political system that is fair, efficient, and responsive to the needs of the people.
Mr. Chatchawan emphasized the importance of constitutional amendment, not just to amend general laws, but to reflect the public’s hope and confidence in the Thai political system. He believes the public will be willing to support it if the new regulations truly benefit everyone and do not favor any particular group. He also believes that Dr. Pokin’s proposed constitutional amendment is an appropriate solution and affirms that the Thai Sang Thai Party will continue to seek cooperation from its members and other political parties to find the best solution.