A group of five former senators yesterday said Buddhism should be adopted as the state religion in order to reflect the aspirations of 94 per cent of Thais who are Buddhists.

Under the leadership of Kam-nuan Chalopatham, the former senators asked Constitution Drafting Assembly (CDA) chairman Noranit Sethabutr to revise the first draft of the charter to insert a clause on state religion. Former senator Wibul Cham-chuen said the charter should represent the view of the majority.

"Every opinion survey has revealed more than 80 per cent of Buddhist Thais want their religious faith declared as the national religion," Wibul said.

After his meeting with the former senators, Noranit said he would forward their request for deliberation by CDA members.

"It would need 10 CDA members to sponsor the debate on state religion and then the Constitution Drafting Committee (CDC) will have to decide whether to heed the advice and revise the draft," he said.

He said he had no personal opinion and would allow the debate to play its course because the issue was complicated and sensitive.

He dismissed speculation that the push for the state religion had gained momentum after the Council for National Security decided on Tuesday not to block the draft revision if deemed necessary.

CDA member Pichien Amnajwo-raprasert said he expected his colleagues to debate the issue no later than May 25, adding that the debate already had sufficient sponsors to take place.

"Personally, I think Buddhism should be recognised by the new constitution," he said, adding that at least 10 other CDA members shared the same view. CDC member Charan Pakdee-thanakul said concerned parties should try to work out a win-win solution on the issue.

"The solution should address how to give due recognition to Buddhism in the new constitution and at the same time grant equal praise for other religions," he said, arguing that only religious equality could pre-empt divisiveness.

CDC chairman Prasong Soonsiri said concerned parties were free to air their views on draft provisions, including the issue of Buddhism.

"After all the views have been aired, the CDC will then try to a draw conclusion," he said.