The newly formed panel of 35 constitution writers yesterday vowed to elect a chairman and deputy chair and do their work without succumbing to outside influence.

"The panel will discuss and elect the best qualified individual as its chairman," charter writer Sanan Intaraprasert said, pledging to live up to the public's expectations.

Sanan said he and the other members have not reached any conclusion on the two candidates, Prasong Soonsiri and Charan Pakdithanakul, tipped for the chairmanship.

"In my personal opinion, Charan is a respected legal expert but he may be unable to devote his time to the job as he is also the permanent secretary for the Justice Ministry," he said. Chuchai Suphawong said he would not bow to any pressure when casting his vote.

"I see Prasong as a veteran public servant although his drawback is his close ties with the Council for National Security (CNS)," he said.

Thitipan Chuaboonchai said he would pick the person who is acceptable to all sides, has a good management record and can work full-time in fostering social understanding.

Many charter writers said they might hold an informal session to resolve their differences before choosing the chairman.

Thanabul Jiranuwat said he would push for an extension of the 180 days given to complete the charter rewrite.

"I may have to resign because I don't see how I can complete the task by the deadline," he said.

CNS chairman General Sonthi Boonyaratglin said the 35 charter writers should model the new supreme law on the 1997 constitution instead of starting from scratch.

Democrat Party spokesman Ong-art Klampaiboon said the charter framers could start off their work by reviewing the flaws identified in the suspended charter.