PPP seeks Constitutional amendment

PPP's Nakhon Ratchasima MP Bunjong Wongtrairat said his MP colleagues agree that the current Constitution posed a number of obstacles for MPs to carry out their duty such as Article 266 that bans MPs from indirectly and directly having involvement with state agencies. The Constitution also sets a new election system that has been criticised as having weakened political parties. The country' top law also reincarnated appointed Senators who have powers to appoint independent agencies that keep the country's checks and balances.

He said he wanted the special committee to allow the public and private sectors including civic and academics to participate in the study on the Constitution with four to five non-MP members to join as members of the committee.

Bunjong denied that they initiated the move to help ex-premier Thaksin Shinawatra escape the arms of law.

Among 23 PPP MPs who launched the motion included La-ong Tiyapairat who has been yellow carded.

The PPP's move came under attack by Democrat Party deputy secretary-general Niphon Bunyamani saying they should have waited and let the Constitution take effect at least two to three years before seeking amendment. The Democrats agree that there is room for improvement in the Constitution but MPs should think of public interest as first priority not their own vested interest in rewriting the law. 

 "If need be, the Constitution should not be amended only in certain clauses that affect politicians,'' he said.