An eleventh-hour attempt to include provision for a controversial "ad-hoc crisis council" in the new charter was rejected yesterday by the Constitution Drafting Assembly (CDA).

The assembly voted 44 to 28 against the motion.

In another move at yesterday's session the assembly voted for a ban on politicians found guilty of electoral fraud. However, it deferred a decision on a national religion.

It passed without debate a contentious article calling on governments to ensure the armed forces were provided with "adequate weapons and technology" after last week hearing members complain there was not enough money for education.

The assembly agreed to extend its sitting hours to "at least 10pm but not beyond midnight" and to meet on weekends. Time to approve the new constitution is expiring.

Charter drafter Sodsri Satyathum failed to convince colleagues an ad-hoc council to help solve political crisis was required. She compared an emergency council with a "fire ladder" that would save the country from political deadlock.

It would prevent future coups, too, she added. She recommended its membership included the chiefs of the three armed forces.

The controversial article currently suggests the committee's membership consist of the prime minister, leaders of the House, Senate and opposition, leaders of the Supreme, Constitution and Supreme Administrative courts and heads of all statutory independent agencies.

Sodsri argued yesterday: "Once the country is at a dead end there should be an organisation that will help solve a crisis. We always have coups followed by the tearing up of constitutions. This is the 18th constitution ... why don't we bring the military into the process so things can become orderly?"

Sodsri was supported by Constitution Drafting Committee (CDC) chairman Prasong Soonsiri and influential member Chirmsak Pinthong. She was rebuffed by drafter Pakorn Priyakorn who said such a council would defeat the purpose of a parliamentary system and the people's right to elect their own representatives.

There was little debate over the five-year ban for electoral fraud. Some members wanted the penalty doubled.

No one questioned the passing of Article 76 which now reads governments are "required" to provide "adequate" military forces, "weapons, ammunition, military equipment and technology that is modern and necessary to protect and maintain national independence".

In what is being viewed by some as a delaying tactic, the assembly voted 56 to three to postpone deliberation of declaring Buddhism the national religion. 

Pravit Rojanaphruk

The Nation