The council just released its compilation of what people want included in the new charter, based on a survey of 3,500 people and a conference of 360 people from various walks of life.

Those surveyed called for the swift passage of an organic law after the new charter comes into effect, and the revocation of any laws that are contrary to the spirit of the new constitution.

The majority of those surveyed want the death penalty abolished and the rights of those not holding Thai citizenship guaranteed.

They also want "universal rights to shelter" and a bigger say in the drafting of laws.

Another suggestion was to have clear legally binding guidelines about what issues ought to be decided through a referendum.

A majority of those surveyed favour reducing the number of MPs to 400 but want the minimum educational requirement for MPs kept at a university degree.

Respondents were divided on what to do with party-list MPs, but they do want elected MPs limited to two terms.

The findings also support a hybrid system of a partly elected and partly appointed Senate, and the creation of more independent bodies to deal with environmental conflicts and consumer rights.

The National Human Rights Commission should also have the power to sue rights violators, the survey found.

The Constitution and Administrative courts should be more open to having members of the public become judges, the survey found.

Pravit Rojanaphruk

The Nation