Proponents of a state religion in the new charter demonstrated in front of Parliament yesterday, then submitted a petition to Premier Surayud Chulanont, after he received the charter draft from the Constitution Drafting Committee (CDC).

Phra Thepvisutthikawee, one of the monks leading the rally, said the group would meet the CDA and 12 agencies considering the draft and seek their support. They would gather in front of Parliament every day until their demand was met.

He said there was nothing behind the movement other than Buddhists wanting to see Buddhism firmly established in Thailand. The request was a result of listening to people's opinions in many seminars.

He said the group was not talking about approval from the state but Buddhism as the national faith because religions in Thailand were already approved by the state.

Noranit said proponents of Buddhism as a state religion must study the charter draft carefully and try to understand its essence.

He was concerned about groups rallying behind the cause because it could affect the charter referendum. It would be crucial to explain to them why a clause about a state religion was included - or not included, he said.

Noranit handed the draft to Buddhists who have gathered in front of Parliament since Wednesday.

He said faith and understanding were complicated issues. The CDC must listen to the opinions of many groups and respect their decision. Any clause about religion might be passed or dropped after deliberation.

CDC member Charan Phakdithanakul said the draft was still unsettled and agencies were discussing whether to include a religion clause.

Atthayuth Butrsripoom,

Sathien Viriyapanpongsa

The Nation