Joint panel on charter amendment formed

The committee will comprise politicians from both sides, as well as members of the public who are either for or against charter amendment proposal.

The decision came after a two hour meeting although it was also greeted by the news that northeastern MPs from the People's Power Party (PPP) under the influence of banned politician Newin Chidchob have gathered 60 signatures in an attempt to launch a second bid to amend the controversial charter.

The government whip was asked to convince these MPs to back down, however.

Any referendum on whether to amend the charter or not could only take place a year after the current charter comes into being as this is required by the current charter.

The Parliament will still have to pass ten organic laws in accordance with the current charter and the House will soon appoint committees in charge of overseeing those laws.

Withaya Boonranasiri, the deputy government whip said he will allow various groups of people with diverse views to participate in the committees. He said it will be positive step and help build a climate of reconciliation.

However, he said there's nothing he can do to stop attempts by some PPP MPs to launch a motion to amend the charter. Withaya said that the group still hasn't succeeded in securing enough signatures as required by law. The endorsement needs 102 MPs to launch a motion.

Samart Kaewmeechai, secretary of government's whip, said the committee looking into the issue of Constitution amendment will be composed of 60 people, and there will be room for more to join in the subcommittee level.

He said the charter referendum bill should be ready by August 23 but the whole process must proceed cautiously.