Some clauses are unclear while others look good on the surface but contain "hidden dangers", and others are conflicting, Meechai said during the NLA's review of the draft.

It appears that the drafters tried to address the political problems that arose over the past five years, leading them to focus on trivial points rather than "the big picture", he said.

"But, I sympathise with them because they had limited time," Meechai said. He cited as problematic a clause allowing individuals to seek court orders forcing state authorities to honour their constitutional rights. "If this clause is not carefully written we will see court cases being filed daily," he warned.

NLA members yesterday agreed the new draft gave the courts "too much power". They argued this could put unnecessary pressure on the judiciary and eventually damage it.

Others expressed disagreement with specific clauses.

The NLA spent the weekend at the Dusit Resort in Hua Hin deliberating the draft.

Campaign for Popular Democracy secretary-general Suriyasai Katasila said it appeared the first draft was designed to prevent a return of the "Thaksin regime".

Democrat Party deputy spokesman Sathit Pitutecha said while the draft addressed issues of public participation and political corruption, flaws remained. He said an appointed Senate went against democratic principles.