Panel seeks to loosen strict controls on politicians

The parliamentary committee studying guidelines for national reconciliation, political reform and charter amendment, chaired by Senator Direk Tuengfang, has also proposed changes to the polling system and selection processes for MPs and senators.

The panel has proposed a change to Article 265 (2) so that MPs can assume other political positions, such as a ministerial adviser or secretary.

The committee wants to change Article 266 so MPs and senators are allowed to help solve people's problems with government agencies.

The objective of both Articles was to prevent conflicts of interest and politicial interference in government officials' work. But most members of the committee - including government and opposition MPs, elected and appointed senators and academics - saw the laws as too strict.

Committee members also want to change Article 237 and its penalties for cases of electoral fraud by party executives. They say the dissolution of parties and the revoking of voting rights should be scrapped. Wrongdoers should face more penalties than ordinary MP candidates, they said, but the right to vote was a fundamental one and should not be revoked.

Other proposed changes to the charter included Article 190, which requires parliamentary approval for international agreements. This was agreed to simplify government work.

And for national reconciliation, an urgent measure proposed by the committee was the return of rights and rehabilitation to those affected by use of the charter - such as the 220 former executives of dissolved parties.

On political reform, the committee said politicians who work hard and retire deserve more money, benefits and welfare but they must give priority to public interest. Poor but good MP and senator candidates also deserved funds to support them for an election. At the same time, public donations to the parties should be encouraged. The panel said these measures, plus good education and evaluation, would encourage good politicians.

The committee members widely criticised the selection process, role and authority of independent agencies under the Constitution, including the Constitution Court.

Members also shared ideas over the Supreme Court's Criminal Division for Political Office Holders being the only court to consider and rule on cases involving politicians. The Election Commission was criticised as too powerful, with suggestions that only courts should decide on whether MP or Senate candidates are suspended or disqualified.

Other topics on political reform not scrutinised so much include power decentralisation to local communities, promoting public participation in selecting and examining holders of political offices, and the designing of parties' policies.

Other proposals were new drafters for the charter, the development of real political institutions, disapproval of the staging of coups and opposition to coup makers' powers.

Senator Lertrat Ratanavanich, outspoken chairman of the panel studying charter amendment, reminded committee members constantly the committee had no power by itself - but had to propose changes that could help bring reconciliation.

That was why the committee avoided resolutions on highly controversial issues like Article 309 - the amnesty for coup makers - or making Buddhism the national religion.

The committee finished its studies last week. House Speaker Chai Chidchob and Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva will be briefed and receive its report on July 16.

A ceremony was planned as committee members had wanted to make sure their voices would be heard.

However, more important processes have yet to happen. The committee has to wait and see to what proposals are accepted, implemented, and what effect they may have on national reconciliation, Thai society and politics, and finally, how their moves might lift people's trust in politicians.