Coalition split over charter change

The Nation

While the Ruam Jai Thai Chart Pattana and Matchima Thipataya parties gave approval to an extensive rewrite of the charter, Chart Thai and Puea Pandin cautioned against it.

Ruam Jai Thai Chart Pattana leader Chettha Thanajaro said his party backed the PPP plan for across-the-board amendments. Matchima Thipataya leader Anongwan Thepsuthin said she believed all political parties wanted the charter to be amended and therefore they should not oppose a rewrite just to create a good image.

Chart Thai deputy leader Somsak Prisanananthakul said a broad rewrite would be too time-consuming and that the changes should focus on provisions that have proved to obstruct the government's work.

A source from Puea Pandin said the party agreed that the charter changes should focus on "problematic clauses". Controversial parts like Articles 237 and 309 should be left intact in order to avoid political confrontations, which could eventually undermine the government's stability.