Monks stir ill feeling
Prasong Soonsiri, chairman of the Constitution Drafting Committee (CDC), yesterday criticised monks who began a week-long fast in front of Parliament on Monday to press for Buddhism to be the national religion.
"Monks should not do this. They should use their wisdom and consider what the problems of this country really are. They should not think only about their own benefit," he said.Some monks had vowed to continue to fast unto death, if their demand was not met. Prasong said "intimidation" would not work with him. He appealed for unity among CDC and Constitution Drafting Assembly members, as there were growing conflicts over controversial issues related to the new charter. Sodsri Satayathum said some CDC colleagues had "stabbed others in the back", which had never happened when she was a judge. "They even vowed to overturn the draft charter if they achieved a lobby of 60 members [in the 100-member Constitution Drafting Assembly]," she said. Chirmsak Pinthong said Sodsri should be wary of making such comments as "nobody" had talked about lobbying to overturn the draft. CDC member Pichien Amnatworaprasert had suggested members of the military be included in draft charter Article 68, which relates to the setting up of a national panel to tackle serious crises.
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