"The new body might be in the form of a council of independent organisations designed to tackle the severest problem like the one addressed in the April 25 royal advice," panellist Wissanu Krea-ngam said, referring to the judicial cancellation of last year's April 2 vote.

Wissanu, also a National Legislative Assembly (NLA) member, said the new charter should retain constructive provisions enshrined in the 1997 Constitution.

Charter writers should focus on rectifying flaws like ambiguous legal terms, unclear enforcement and shortcomings of independent organisations in facing up to powerful governments, he said.

He was speaking at a forum organised by the NLA. Other panellists included Anek Laothamatas, Angkhana Neelaphaijit, Pipop Thongchai and Sombat Thamrong-thanyawong.

Sombat suggested the new charter should ensure a right mix of government coalition to prevent any runaway power, similar to what happened during the Thaksin Shinawa-tra's administration.

Angkhana said she wanted to promote the right of the community to be involved in the judicial process, adding that courts of justice should be scrutinised by the community. Victims of unfair law enforcement should be allowed greater and easier access to air their grievances, she said, urging that the National Human Rights Commission be given a mandate to litigate on the victims' behalf.

Anek said new political rules should include a term limit in the form of a single four-year term for a prime minister, a ban on party mergers, cancellation of the 90-day rule for party membership ahead of the polls and permission for electoral candidates to run as independents.

Pipop called for the establishment of a fund enabling marginalised citizens to seek justice and gain access to judicial review.