"There should be no problem for other religions," he said after meeting with Phra Rajapanya Medhi, vice rector of the Mahachulalongkorn Buddhist University.

All committees studying the issue  which comprised advocates of all religions  agreed that the clause could be stated in the draft charter, Sonthi said.

A clause that would ensure the rights of other religions could be added, he said.

Phra Rajapanya Medhi said, "If Thais want to develop their democracy, they need to promote Buddhist morals".

Phra Rajapanya Medhi is a leading monk who organised a street procession last week to drum up support for the clause. The movement included many Buddhist monks and advocates of the proposal who gathered outside Parliament compound to pressure the constitution drafters.

He dismissed an allegation that a political group was behind his movement. However, he admitted that some politicians might exploit the movement.

The Nation