"We will see if there are any recommendations we have for this draft," he said, adding that the council would look into matters other than security. "We will have to look into all the articles," he said.

The CNS is one of the 12 state organisations empowered by the 2006 Interim Constitution to study the first charter draft for feedback and possible review.

Sonthi predicted promulgation of a new constitution no later than October and the formation of a new government no later than early next year.

"If things go as expected, we will have a new constitution by September, or October at the latest. There will be a general election and a new government by the end of the year, or early next year at the latest," said the general.

Sonthi called for all sides to help in improving draft charter provisions in order to ensure the country's future, saying it is everyone's duty to restore political normalcy.

He also repeated the junta's stand to refrain from dominating the drafting process, saying he had no alternative draft to enact if the new constitution failed to pass the referendum.

"I can say for certain that the CNS has never interfered with the drafting of the new constitution," he said.

"Should the final draft be rejected, I really have no idea how to come up with an alternative draft in 30 days and, more importantly, there is no way to know whether the alternative would be better or worse than the rejected charter," he added.

Sonthi said everyone should carefully scrutinise the draft provisions and air criticisms via the 12 organisations in charge of vetting the first draft, including state universities and colleges.

He said the promulgation of the new constitution was the only way to overcome political turbulence.

In regard to the aspirations to be enshrined in the new constitution, he said the charter should contain provisions bracing the country for future challenges, as well as those designed to correct flaws that led to the September coup.

He said he was no expert on the constitutional law and would like to solicit views for the draft's revision.

"I believe the charter-drafters have been working under a lot of pressure and time constraints, and everyone should help them out instead of bearing grudges," he said.

Sonthi went on to say he had no objection if the new constitution enshrined Buddhism as the state religion, saying he would leave it for the relevant parties to decide on the issue.

He dismissed the allegation that the junta had pushed for a clause granting amnesty for the coup, saying the issue was misunderstood.

The 2006 Interim Constitution granted the legalisation of activities relating to the September seizure of power, and the new charter would continue to recognise this following the expiry of the interim provision, he said.

The issue is not about amnesty or an attempt to sanction future military intervention as alleged by critics, he said.

Panya Thiewsangwan

The Nation