Sonthi prefers charter changes
Constitution Drafting Assembly chairman Noranit Setabutr accepts documents from former Bangkok governor Bhichit Rattakul detailing proposals from environmental groups for inclusion in the new charter at Parliament yesterday.
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The first draft of the new constitution was acceptable when read as a whole, although certain provisions might need some adjustments, Council for National Security chairman General Sonthi Boonyaratglin said yesterday.
"I don't think the document should be rejected because of a disagreeable clause," he said, while urging critics to help improve the draft. The armed forces was to hold an internal seminar this week to recommend revisions to the draft, he said, referring to a meeting of senior officers at the seaside resort of Cha-am. The meeting commenced yesterday and would end tomorrow. Constitution Drafting Assem-bly (CDA) chairman, Noranit Setabutr said the people and concerned parties could circulate ideas to revise the draft provisions as there was sufficient time to debate relevant issues before the completion of the final draft in July. "Based on the ideas submitted, the draft could then be revised by either the CDA or the Constitution Drafting Committee," he said. Noranit said there was no justification for the CDA to reject the draft without having tried to improve it first. He dismissed a suggestion by Democrat Party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva for the CDA to discard it in order to force a complete rewrite. Deputy Prime Minister Paiboon Wattanasiritham said he would submit a report on ideas for draft revisions by respective ministers by next Tuesday. He said Cabinet members would offer him their suggestions to revise the draft by tomorrow. "The government has no stand on the draft and individual ministers are free to express their opinions," he said. Chat Thai Party deputy leader Weerasak Kosurat said charter drafters appeared emotional when faced with criticisms. "All sides should not let emotions cloud their judgement, otherwise the debate on concerned issues will lead to a confrontation," he said. Weerasak said his party should strive to build up political immunity for runaway power and strengthen civic society in readiness for the next general election. Other issues could be saved for later debate under the elected government, he said.
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