"Fasting is too extreme and futile a protesting tactic and contrary to the Buddhist principle of moderation," CDC chairman Prasong Soonsiri said.

"Draft provisions have already prescribed the support and protection of Buddhism and other beliefs as fit the aspirations of the majority and the CDC will not link the country's supreme law to propagation of religions," he said.

He also reminded protesting monks that Lord Buddha had attained enlightenment after adopting the middle path in lieu of self-inflicted pain to rein in the body and mind.

He said the revised draft was complete and ready for debate by the 100-member Constitution Drafting Assembly (CDA).

The CDC convened its final meeting yesterday to make final touches on wording for about 100 revised clauses based on the critiques of the first draft.

In a last-minute attempt to change the election procedures for senators, CDC member Charan Pakdithanakul argued for a minor revision that he described as giving ex-senators from the 2000 and 2006 polls an equal opportunity to make re-election bids.

The CDC majority overruled him on grounds that his proposal was frivolous and would cause unnecessary delay in completing the draft.

 While the CDA vets the revised draft from tomorrow to June 30, the CDC will be on standby the whole time in order to reason with CDA members about any proposed amendments deemed to undermine the principles behind key articles.

Deputy Democrat Party leader Alongkorn Pollabutr voiced optimism that the restoration of democracy was near at hand and supported a plan to move forward the referendum date for the new constitution.

"The sooner the referendum the quicker the return to normalcy, which will help to revitalise the economy," he said.

He urged all sides to unite in order to ensure a successful general election so that the country could be put back on course again.

He said ex-Thai Rak Thai members should review their plan to stage anti-coup protests.

"The country has suffered for so long because of the political turmoil. Is it worth it to risk extending the return of democracy just for the sake of venting one's anger?" he asked in reference to last month's dissolution of the former ruling party.

He also called on ousted premier Thaksin Shinawatra to stay out of politics instead of acting like a "two-faced politician" who keeps trying to grab the limelight while insisting on his retirement.