"If the judges disagree with such provisions, they have the right to voice opposition and the CDC will then consider making adjustments," he said.

Prasong said his CDC had consulted with senior judges and relevant parties before coming up with draft provisions on the role of the judiciary.

But if judicial sentiment was against political involvement, then the CDC would have to come up with an alternative, he said.

"The CDC has good intentions to boost the role of the judiciary on the grounds that it is the last resort to dispense justice," he said.

The idea to involve the

judiciary should a crisis arise

was based on the lesson of last year's leadership crisis, for which His Majesty the King advised judicial intervention, he said.

Justice Minister Chanchai Likhitjittha, said he agreed with the idea that the judiciary should limit itself to the affairs of the courts and only intervene in political affairs in a critical situation of unprecedented magnitude.

"Judges should focus on their job of conducting judicial review; from time to time they may assist in resolving a crisis and return to their main duties after completing the mission," he said.

Chanchai said he was concerned that non-judicial duties such as the selection of senators would create a distraction for judges. Others fear it would hurt their standing and independence.