Constitution Drafting Assembly Appointed by Royal Decree

[Jai Dee]

HM King inks Royal Decree, appointing CDA

His Majesty the King has signed a royal decree to appoint the Constitution Drafting Assembly (CDA) yesterday (December, 1). The Chairman of the Council for National Security (CNS) Gen.Sonthi Boonyaratglin has received the royal endorsement.

CDA consists of 100 members including Klanarong Chanthik (นายกล้านรงค์ จันทิก), Chirmsak Pinthong (เจิมศักดิ์ ปิ่นทอง), Karun Sai-ngarm (การุณ ใสงาม), Charan Phakdithanakul (จรัญ ภักดีธนากุล), and Praphan Naikowit (ประพันธ์ นัยโกวิท).

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 03 January 2007

[Jai Dee]

Royal endorsement for members of charter-drafting panel

100 appointed by CNS include many well-known names

The appointment of 100 members of the Constitution Drafting As-sembly (CDA) has received Royal endorsement.

Many well-known figures were among those appointed by the Council for National Security (CNS), and endorsed by the Royal command dated Monday.

The list was made available yesterday.

The CDA members include former senators Chirmsak Pinthong and Karun Sai-ngam, National Counter Corruption Commission member Klanarong Chantik and election commissioners Sodsri Satayatham and Praphan Naikowit.

Others are active or former bureaucrats, including permanent secretary for Justice Charan Phakdithanakul, Siwa Sangmanee, Aran Thammano, and Somchai Ruchuphan.

The newly appointed members of the Constitution Drafting Assembly could report to work from today, Kampee Disthakorn, deputy secretary-general of the Parliament, said yesterday.

Observers gave a lukewarm welcome to the new appointees, saying they would have to prove their worth.

Political scientist Prayad Hongthongkham said the 100 names were as the public expected, but it was too early to talk about their ability to draft a constitution.

He said the 100 members of the CDA would assign 25 people to the Constitution Drafting Committee to join 10 others chosen on the advice of the CNS chairman.

Prayad said the constitution was not the ultimate answer to political reform, as that depended on the behaviour of politicians.

"The previous constitution has been accepted as being the best set of laws, but it was cancelled. However the problem with politics is not the law but the user," he said.

If voters still picked constituency members on the basis of money changing hands instead of the government and policies they wanted, there would be no progress, Prayad said.

"The state must educate the people so they understand the meaning of an election," he said.

Suriyasai Katasila, secretary-general of the Popular Campaign for Democracy, said the new CDA was not worse than the chamber which drafted the 1997 charter.

"As we see [the names] on the CDA list, it is a good sign for political reform. Yet, we can't expect that we will get a constitution that is better than the 1997 one because the drafting will be dependant on other factors," he said.

Suriyasai noted there were 30 representatives from the government sector, 26 from academia, 26 from the private sector and 18 from the civic sector.

CNS member and Supreme Commander General Bunsang Niampradit insisted the junta would not interfere in the work of the CDA.

The CNS selected 100 members for the Drafting Assembly from 200 nominees.

One member of the National People's Assembly (NPA) complained that ordinary people were being left out of the drafting process.

Yuttaporn Issarachai said the recently passed royal decree requiring civil servant members of the CDA to be senior officials of C10 ranking or equivalent to director general status, or a professor if from academia - automatically disqualified many candidates.

"This is curbing the rights of others. It's a bad beginning that will lead to the drafting of a constitution by a group of elite [people] that will apply to the rest of the populace," said Yuttaporn, a political science lecturer at Sukhothai Thammathirat University.

"If we allow the process to proceed unilaterally, people will be forced to accept [the charter] they draft. There must be more public participation otherwise it will become worse."

Yuttaporn was among the 30 "renegade" NPA members who cried foul over the earlier election of 200 short-listed CDA members from the pool of 2,000 NPA candidates.

He said a number of the newly appointed CDA members were part of the previous drafting assembly for the 1997 constitution and that did not bode well as they had failed to draft a foolproof constitution the last time.

"These people should admit that they failed to ensure the so-called independent bodies remained independent," he said.

Amorn Wanichwiwatana, an NPA member and director of Chulalongkorn University's Centre for Thai Justice Research and Development, said the 100 names appeared to have been predetermined by the junta.

"It looks more like the junta's constitution drafting assembly," he said.

But other NPA members like Mongkol Rattana, from Phuket province, welcomed the list of 100 CDA members.

"I'm rather satisfied. Those we expected to be appointed have mostly been appointed," he said.

Mongkol said he remained sceptical about the neutrality of NPA chairman Meechai Ruchuphan, who will likely continue to play a crucial role in the drafting.

Source: The Nation - 3 January 2007

[Jai Dee]

Full list of CDA

His Majesty the King on Monday signed a royal command to appoint the 100 members of the Constitution Drafting Assembly.

The command was countersigned by Gen Sonthi Boonyaratglin, chairman of the Council for National Security.

Following is the full list of the CDA members, arranged according to the Thai official list, which was announced Tuesday.

The number behind the names were votes they received in peer voting for 200 CDA nominees before they were picked by Sonthi for the positions.

1 Kanok Tosurat (13)

2 Kannikar Bantherngchit (8)

3 Krisada Haiwattananukul (9)

4 Klanarong Chantik (26)

5 Karun Saingam (12)

6 Deputy Prof Kitti Teerased (10)

7 Krikkiart Pipatseritham (8)

8 Kiatchai Pongpanit (11)

9 Komsun Phokong (14)

10 Charan Pakdithanakul (30)

11 Charas Suwanmala (8)

12 Chutinant Bhirombhakdi (8)

13 Charoensak Rojanaritphichet (18)

14 Deputy Prof Chermsak Pinthong (32)

15 Ch. Chainat Srisemamuang (8)

16 Chanin Buaprasert (13)

17 Chavalit Muennut (22)

18 Chadchai Jiemsripong (20)

19 Chartchai Saengsuk (26)

20 Chalee Kang-im (9)

21 Chamnarn Puwilai (25)

22 Choochai Suphawong (12)

23 Chokchai Aksorn-nant (8)

24 Chaiyos Hemarachata (8)

25 Deputy Prof Duangsuda Te-chotiros (11)

26 Decho Sawananon (17)

27 Thanapit Mulaphruk (32)

28 Pol Lt Gen Thammanit Pitaneelabut (10)

29 Thawat Bowornwanitchayakura (12)

30 Assistance Prof Thitiphan Chueboonchai (11)

31 Theerawat Romsaithong (13)

32 Nakahrin Mektrirat (15)

33 Noraniti Setrabutra (21)

34 Nit Wangwiwat (10)

35 Nimit Chaijeerathikul (9)

36 Nurak Mapraneet (10)

37 Pakorn Preeyakorn (11)

38 Pradit Luengaram (13)

39 Prapan Naiyakowit (15)

40 Prawit Akarachinoret (12)

41 Prasong Phithunkijja (21)

42 Parinya Sirisarakarn (8)

43 Phannarai Saengwichian (8)

44 Phuangphet Sarakhun (10)

45 Pichien Amnajworaprasert (8)

46 Phisit Lee-Atham (7)

47 Adm Phirasak Watcharamoon (11)

48 Paiboon Warahapaitoon (13)

49 Pairote Promsarn (27)

50 Montri Petkum (21)

51 Manoonsri Chottewan (12)

52 Manij Suksomchit (20)

53 Meechai Nukulkij (19)

54 Rath Chuklin (13)

55 Rujira Techangkoon (9)

56 Warakorn Samkoset (12)

57 Watchara Hongpraphas (9)

58 Wichai Roobkhamdee (7)

59 Wichai Ruangreangkulrith (8)

60 Wichai Srikwan (19)

61 Wicha Mahakhun (7)

62 Withaya Boriboonsap (27)

63 Wittaya Kotchakuen (13)

64 Witthaya Ngarnthawee (23)

65 Withawas Boonyasathit (12)

66 Venus Manmungsin (15)

67 Wutthichart Kalayanamitr (13)

68 Assistant Prof Wuthisarn Tanchai (39)

69 Sriracha Charoenpanit (12)

70 Sakchai Unchittikul (16)

71 Saknarin Khuen-on (9)

72 Siwa Saengmanee (27)

73 Sawetr Thinnakul (16)

74 Sodsri Satayatham (12)

75 Sanan Intharaphrasert (10)

76 Somkiat Rodcharoen (12)

77 Prof Somkid Lertpaitoon(30)

78 Somchai Ruchuphan (13)

79 Somyos Somwiwatchai (9)

80 Sawad Chotipanich (17)

81 Sawang Pupatwiboon (33)

82 Sawing Tan-ut (9)

83 Sarmkhwan Phanomkhwan (10)

84 Sundhon Chanrungsri (16)

85 Surachai Liengbunlertchai (8)

86 Surapon Pongtatsirikul (27)

87 Sermkiat Voradit (8)

88 Seri Nimayu (11)

89 Seree Suwanpanon (26)

90 Lakchai Kittiphon (12)

91 Anusart Suwanmongkhon (11)

92 Apichart Damdee (7)

93 Akkharat Rattanajun (12)

94 Aran Thammano (14)

95 Alisa Phansak (9)

96 Akrawit Sumawomg (15)

97 Angkhana Neelapaijit (11)

98 Ar-pha Atthaboonwong (12)

99 Uthit Chuchuey (40)

100 Okart Tepalakul (55)

Source: The Nation - 3 January 2007

[SeanBangkok]

Why would a general be incharge of writing a constitution? Oops, nevermind....

[marshbags]

HM King inks Royal Decree, appointing CDA

His Majesty the King has signed a royal decree to appoint the Constitution Drafting Assembly (CDA) yesterday (December, 1). The Chairman of the Council for National Security (CNS) Gen.Sonthi Boonyaratglin has received the royal endorsement.

CDA consists of 100 members including Klanarong Chanthik (นายกล้านรงค์ จันทิก), Chirmsak Pinthong (เจิมศักดิ์ ปิ่นทอง), Karun Sai-ngarm (การุณ ใสงาม), Charan Phakdithanakul (จรัญ ภักดีธนากุล), and Praphan Naikowit (ประพันธ์ นัยโกวิท).

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 03 January 2007

If possible please.

Can anyone supply some details on their various roles in society as the list i read only gives names, most of which i cannot relate to.

AND

On behalf of ALL members............................................

Welcome back J.D we all missed your imput.

We also hope you enjoyed your well earned holiday, albeit a brief one.

marshbags

Edited January 3, 2007 by marshbags

[Jai Dee]

Welcome back J.D we all missed your imput.

Cheers marshbags.

Sawadee Pee Mai.

[Jai Dee]

CDA member concerned over next general election

A member of the Constitution Drafting Assembly (CDA) has expressed concern over the next general election, adding that the new constitution should focus on the decentralization of power.

Asst.Prof.Pakorn Priyakorn (ปกรณ์ ปรียากร), an academic of the National Institute of Development Administration (NIDA) and CDA member, said the most worrying problem of Thai politics is the election corruption. As for the drafting of the new constitution, he viewed that it should stick to the 1997 one. However, the party-list system, which was introduced by the last constitution, should be revoked as the party-list members of parliaments have not proved to be true representatives of people. He would also like to see the new constitution free from loopholes which facilitate capitalists in politics.

In addition, The CDA member thought that CDA should consider other problematic issues of the 1997 constitution as well, including the roles of senators and 90-day lock on MPs switching parties.

Regarding the 180-day timeframe of the new constitution drafting, Asst.Prof.Pakorn said he thought it is appropriate.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 03 January 2007

[hammered]

CDA member concerned over next general election

A member of the Constitution Drafting Assembly (CDA) has expressed concern over the next general election, adding that the new constitution should focus on the decentralization of power.

Asst.Prof.Pakorn Priyakorn (ปกรณ์ ปรียากร), an academic of the National Institute of Development Administration (NIDA) and CDA member, said the most worrying problem of Thai politics is the election corruption. As for the drafting of the new constitution, he viewed that it should stick to the 1997 one. However, the party-list system, which was introduced by the last constitution, should be revoked as the party-list members of parliaments have not proved to be true representatives of people. He would also like to see the new constitution free from loopholes which facilitate capitalists in politics.

In addition, The CDA member thought that CDA should consider other problematic issues of the 1997 constitution as well, including the roles of senators and 90-day lock on MPs switching parties.

Regarding the 180-day timeframe of the new constitution drafting, Asst.Prof.Pakorn said he thought it is appropriate.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 03 January 2007

Decentralization would be a good thing for the people imho. To date it has been resisted and obstructed by virtually all politicians.

[Jai Dee]

Gen.Winai affirmed CNS will not interfere with CDA in selecting CDC members

Permanent Secretary of Defense and Secretary of the Council for National Security (CNS), Gen.Winai Patthiyakul (วินัย ภัททิยะกุล) affirmed that CNS will not interfere with the selection of the rest 25 members of CDC by the Constitution Drafting Assembly (CDA).

Gen.Winai revealed that CNS will select 10 CDC members within these two days, adding that CNS will select them based on appropriateness and knowledge of law.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 03 January 2007

[slimdog]

CDA member concerned over next general election

A member of the Constitution Drafting Assembly (CDA) has expressed concern over the next general election, adding that the new constitution should focus on the decentralization of power.

Asst.Prof.Pakorn Priyakorn (ปกรณ์ ปรียากร), an academic of the National Institute of Development Administration (NIDA) and CDA member, said the most worrying problem of Thai politics is the election corruption. As for the drafting of the new constitution, he viewed that it should stick to the 1997 one. However, the party-list system, which was introduced by the last constitution, should be revoked as the party-list members of parliaments have not proved to be true representatives of people. He would also like to see the new constitution free from loopholes which facilitate capitalists in politics.

In addition, The CDA member thought that CDA should consider other problematic issues of the 1997 constitution as well, including the roles of senators and 90-day lock on MPs switching parties.

Regarding the 180-day timeframe of the new constitution drafting, Asst.Prof.Pakorn said he thought it is appropriate.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 03 January 2007

Decentralization would be a good thing for the people imho. To date it has been resisted and obstructed by virtually all politicians.

Decentralization would work considerably better if it wasn't felt that local government wasn't even more corrupt than national government..

[Jai Dee]

CDA views that new Constitution should stick to 1997 Constitution framework

The Constitution-Drafting Assembly (CDA) views that the new Constitution should follow the 1997 Constitution fraework. According to sources at Chart Thai, the party is satified with the election of the 100 CDA members.

Mr.Klanarong Chantik (กล้านรงค์ จันทิก), a CDA member, views that the 1997 Constitution should be used as model of new Constitution. However he said that slight changes in the constitution should be amended, such as articles concerning independent organizations and the article 209 which allows the premier to transfer shares to members of the same family.

Chart Thai leader Banharn Silapa-Archa (บรรหาร ศิลปอาชา) said he is happy with the election of the 100 CDA members. However he has also urged agencies to observe the selection of the Constitution-Drafting Committee (CDC).

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 03 January 2007

[Johpa]

Royal endorsement for members of charter-drafting panel

100 appointed by CNS include many well-known names

The appointment of 100 members of the Constitution Drafting As-sembly (CDA) has received Royal endorsement.

Many well-known figures were among those appointed by the Council for National Security (CNS), and endorsed by the Royal command dated Monday. ....

Source: The Nation - 3 January 2007

Well I am glad to see that the less-than-well-known top vote getter, Okart Tepalakul, a car dealer from Chachoengsao province, remains on the committee. It appears that Khun Ohart's primary qualification is having been a loyal classmate of coup leader Sonthi. It also appears that the primary drafting of the newest constituion will fall to the coterie of the legal hands from Thammasat U on the list as many of the names are simply other friends and business acquaintances of the coup leaders.

Chaiyo!

[Jai Dee]

Chiang Mai governor ready to work as a CDA member

Chiang Mai governor Wichai Srikwan expressed his pleasure after being appointed as one of the 100 Constitution Drafting Assembly (CDA) members. He also expressed his gratitude for the support of Chiang Mai residents and the authority who considered the appointment.

Mr. Wichai said he would consult with other constitution drafters and assembly members so they could work at their best. He insisted that his duty in the CDA would not affect his routine works because he has disseminated his responsibilities to Chiang Mai deputy governor and district-chief officers.

The CDA has four representatives from Chiang Mai including Mr. Wichai Srikwan, raming tea business operator Nitya Wangwiwat, Lanna Hospital representative Prawit Akkrachinoret, and private sector representative Sawing Tun-ud.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 04 January 2007

[Jai Dee]

CNS spokesman explained the ratios of CDA

Council for National Security (CNS) spokesman Sansern Kaewkamnerd said the proportions of regions and careers were taken into account for selecting 100 Constitution Drafting Assembly (CDA) members.

The CDA incorporates representatives from various professions. They comprise of four provincial governors, five lawyers, five representatives from independent entities, eight retired people, four local administrators, four village chiefs, two physicians, a teacher, a state enterprise official, 19 business operators, two farmers, one personnel from a private institute, four law counselors, four mediators, two representatives from public organizations, two students, one freelance employee, 11 political sciences, seven qualified lawyers, five university rectors, and two prominent economists.

In summary, the CDA composes of 28 government agencies, 27 private agencies, 23 social activists, and 22 academics.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 04 January 2007

[Jai Dee]

CDA has 15 days before the selection of 25 CDC members

The Council for National Security (CNS) Spokesperson, Col.Sansuarn Kaewdamnuen (สรรเสริญ แก้วกำเนิด) said the Constitution Drafting Assembly (CDA) has 15 days after its first meeting to start the selection process of 25 members of Constitution Drafting Committee (CDC).

According to the spokesman, the first meeting of CDA is expected to take place on January 8, or no later than January 10, to select the chairman and vice chairman.

CDA is expected to finish the constitution drafting process within 180 days and then it will arrange a public hearing on the draft of the new constitution.

As for CDC, it has to finish writing organic laws necessary for the general election within 45 days before forwarding it to the National Assembly (NA) for approval.

CDC has 35 members consisting of 10 selected by CNS and 25 selected by CDA.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 04 January 2007

[Jai Dee]

Prof. Dr. Borwornsak is confident CDA will be able to finalized the constitutional draft on time

The Institute of King Prajadhipok Secretary-General, Prof. Dr. Borwornsak Uwanno, is confident that the Constitution Drafting Assembly (CDA) will be able to finalize the constitution draft within the timeframe of 180 days, or by July 1st 2007.

The drafting process will commence on January 8th, and it is schduled to be accomplished by July 1st this year. Then the assembly will conduct a public hearing to see what issues will be adjusted or included in the new draft. If the overall process is finished on time, the general election will take place in November and the new government should be formed in December.

Prof. Dr. Borwornsak also said the Institute of King Prajadhipok plans to arrange plenty of activities to promote public participation in the constitution drafting process. They will be urged to voice their opinions and ideas, and seminars will be held for experts to express their thoughts and suggestions

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 06 January 2007

[Jai Dee]

CDA affirms that drafting new Consitution must allow public participation

The Council-Drafting Assembly (CDA) has affirmed that drafting new Constitution must allow public participation.

Dr. Sawang Pupatwiboon (ดร. สว่าง ภู่พัฒน์วิบูลย์), a CDA member said the DCA will find ways to quickly complete drafting the new Constitution so that a general election can be carried out accordingly.

As for the contents of the new Consitution, Dr. Sawang said that it would be a straight-forward version. He said the most important thing for the new constitution is that it affords general public to take part. They will be encouraged to express their ideas and set the future of the country.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 06 January 2007

[Jai Dee]

Charter assembly meets today to elect chairman

Noranit Setabutr, former secretary-general of King Prajadhipok's Institute, and Sawat Chotepanich, a former election commissioner, will compete today for the post of chairman of the Constitution Drafting Assembly (CDA).

Political analysts believe that Noranit stands a better chance of winning the position because of his academic background, a source said. As well as being secretary-general of King Prajadhipok's Institute, Noranit has held several other important posts including dean of the political science faculty at Thammasat University, where he also served as rector.

Sawat was president of the Supreme Court and has a reputation for being honest and clean. He turned his back on the Assets Examination Committee after reports of conflicts with Auditor-General Jaruvan Maintaka.

Noranit has been the favourite to win the post from the beginning, with Sawat lagging far behind in the reckoning.

Both have the necessary seniority for the post, but in comparing their working style, Noranit seems to stand a better chance because of his flexible personality and his diplomatic approach that enables him to mediate agreements between those holding very different opinions.

Unlike Noranit, Sawat has the reputation of sticking to his stance and refusing to bend. He is also highly confident in himself. The Council for National Security sought to have him in the AEC after it seized power in the coup. Many believe that Sawat is not appropriate for the post because the chairman of the CDA needs to bring about compromise between different groups.

"This type of job needs a political scientist who can bring reconciliation rather than a judge who decides what is right and wrong,'' one observer said.

Political commentators also believe that Noranit has the support of those in power because his name was mentioned when the process to select the CDA candidates started. His chance to win today's vote remains strong.

Former 1997 constitution drafters Decho Sawanonont and Seri Suwanpanont are expected to win deputy chairman posts because of their experience in constitution drafting.

Seri said he had never heard himself mentioned as a favourite for the deputy's post, but he was ready to take the job if the other CDA members believed in him.

Constitution drafter Chirmsak Pinthong proposed that the CDA establish a committee comprising more than ten CDA members to note the intention of the constitution. This would prevent any misinterpretation of the intention of the constitution.

"It happened with the 1997 constitution. The Constitution Court interpreted the constitution in one way but the true intention that the drafters wanted was something different,'' he said.

Source: The Nation - 8 January 2007

[Jai Dee]

Acting CDA chairman Noraniti pledged to do his best

The soon-to-be appointed Constitution Drafting Assembly (CDA) chairman, Mr. Noraniti Sethabutr, vowed to put his best effort for the new constitution to be the constitution for the general public. He also reiterated that the constitution will be drafted within the 180-day agenda. Previously, Mr. Sawat Chotepanich and Mr. Charan Phakdithanakul withdrew themselves from contention for this position.

Mr. Noraniti stated that not only the new constitution must be finalized on time, but it has to be able to solve disunity and different social problems in Thailand.

He said public participation will be accentuated primarily and the drafting will be successful and prompt if CDA members give full cooperation.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 08 January 2007

[Jai Dee]

Assoc. Prof. Wannatham says Mr. Noraniti can take on CDA chairman without affecting his former duty

Assoc. Prof. Wannatham Kanjanasuwan, the member and secretary of the committee for establishing the political development parliament and drafting the political development plan, said the appointment of Mr. Noraniti Sethabutr as the Constitution Drafting Assembly (CDA) chairman will not affect his responsibility as the committee chairman.

Assoc. Prof. Wannatham said there were reports that Mr. Noraniti was favored to be appointed as the CDA chairman, but he believed that Mr. Noraniti would be able to take on two positions. In addition, Mr. Noraniti already assigned the tasks for the six subcommittees and it would not be necessary to hold a meeting between the committee members again.

Assoc. Prof. Wannatham said his committee will have 40 days to draft the political development plan and establish the political development parliament, and the Cabinet should consider them by May 2007.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 08 January 2007

[Jai Dee]

CDA has selected Mr. Noraniti as chairman

The Constitution Drafting Assembly (CDA) meeting has appointed Mr. Noraniti Sethabutr as the CDA chairman.

The CDA meeting today was held to appoint the CDA chairperson and vice chairpersons. Mr. Noranity has been selected as the head of the charter panel as two other contenders, Mr. Sawat Chotepanich and Mr. Charan Phakdithanakul, pulled themselves out of the contention for this position.

Following his appointment, Mr. Noraniti pledged to put his best effort into the drafting and listen to the ideas and suggestions of public members because he is aware that people have high expectations for the new constitution. He said he will try to finish the draft within the 180-day agenda.

As for the selection of two CDA vice chairpersons, Mr. Seri Suwanpanon was the first to be selected. The second chairperson is still underway after Mr. Decho Suwananon has insufficient votes from the CDA members.

However, following the royal endorsement on the appointment of CDA chairman and vice chairpersons, the 25-member constitution drafting committee will also be formed. 10 of the members will be submitted by the Council for National Security (CNS), and the process must be completed within 15 days as mandated by the constitution.

Mr. Noraniti is the Institute of King Prachatipok secretary and the former rector of Thammasat University. He was once a member of the Anti-Money Laundering Office and the National Counter Corruption Commission. He completed his studies at the Faculty of Political Science in Thammasat University with the Soviet Education Diploma from Fribourg University in New Zealand. He received his masters at Columbia University in the United States after studying International Relations and Soviet Education there.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 08 January 2007

[Bottlerocket]

Members #7 & #26 were both quoted in the paper. Let's hear what y'all think.

"The prime minister does not necessarily have to be an elected MP," Krirkkiat Pipatseritham said. "But he or she has to be nominated [for royal endorsement] by Lower-House members, who are representatives of the people." He did not elaborate on this controversial issue.

Decho Sawananont said he supported an elected prime minister. However, there should be an "exemption" for a non-elected premier to lead the government in an emergency situation such as a war or a political crisis.

Krirkkiat and Decho were drafters of the 1997 charter which stated that only an elected prime minister could lead the Cabinet - a rule that aimed to close the door on any military intervention.

I don't know, but I think someone's got a little brown stuff on their nose.

[Jai Dee]

Thai constitution 'to be ready for poll'

The draft of Thailand's new constitution will be completed within 180 days - in time for elections promised by generals who toppled a civilian government last year, a key official said.

After ousting the democratically elected government of Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra on September 19, the coup leaders promised an election by October this year preceded by the drafting of a new charter.

"The new constitution must bring about democracy, help resolve the political crisis, by acceptable to the people and bring the country back to normalcy," said Noranit Setabutr, who has been unanimously elected to head the Constitution Drafting Council.

Noranit, 65, a well-known lawyer and academic, is widely regarded as a neutral figure without leaning toward any political party. He was long time dean of the law faculty at Bangkok's Thammasat University and former secretary general of the King Prachadhipok Institute.

The coup leaders, led by army chief General Sondhi Boonyaratkalin, annulled the 1997 constitution, saying they hoped to forge a new one to eliminate loopholes that allowed Thaksin to gathering great power into his hands and erode the country's democratic institutions.

Thaksin, now exiled abroad, is being investigated for massive corruption and abuse of power.

The new constitution would be the 17th since Thailand abolished absolute monarchy in 1932. The earlier charters were each thrown out after the numerous coups that have punctuated the country's modern history.

Source: The Age - 8 January 2007

[Jai Dee]

Mr. Charan views Mr. Noraniti is qualified to become CDA chairman

Mr. Charan Phakdithanakul (จรัญ ภักดีธนากุล), a member of the Constitution Drafting Assembly (CDA) indicates that Mr. Noraniti Sethabutr (นรนิติ เศรษฐบุตร) is qualified for the position as chairman of the CDA.

Mr. Charan said that Mr. Noraniti is well respected amongst CDA members. He said that all CDA members believe that Mr. Noraniti can lead the group to the right track within the time frame.

As for news claiming that he might be proposed to become chairman of the Constitution Drafting Committee (CDC), he said that he has yet considered the matter. He revealed that it is quite a pressure to complete drafting the Constitution within six months.

According to Mrs Sodsri Sattayatham (นางสดศรี สัตยธรรม), a potential candidate to the CDA top post, she said she does not mind taking whichever position she is assigned to. In response to drafting regulations of public opinion survey, she said that the draft is already completed and waiting for approval from CDA members.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 09 January 2007

[Jai Dee]

CDA deputy chairperson says selection criteria for new CDA members should not be too rigid

The acting deputy chairperson of the Constitution Drafting Assembly (CDA) said that the members of the assembly should not set standards that are too high for the selection of new members.

The acting deputy chairperson of the Constitution Drafting Assembly (CDA) Mr. Seri Suwanapanon (เสรี สุวรรณภานนท์), said that following the CDAs selction of a chairperson and 3 deputy chairperson, a list of suitable candidates would be submitted for royal endorsement. 25 CDA members would also be selected by the CDA itself, while 10 CDA members would be selected by the Cabinet. Mr. Seri said members of the CDA should represent all sectors, while agreeing that the selection criteria for new members should not be too rigid to allow for a wide range of qualified personnel.

Mr. Seri added that the Constitution Drafting Assembly would definitely complete its draft of the constitution within 180 days. The deputy chairperson added that he would conduct his duties to the fullest of his abilities due to the nations need for development.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 09 January 2007

[Jai Dee]

CNS to consider qualifications of CDA chairman today

Today the Council for National Security (CNS) meeting will consider qualifications of the chairman and deputy chairmen of the Constitution Drafting Assembly (CDA).

The meeting will be chaired by CNS Chairman Gen.Sonthi Boonyaratglin at the Royal Thai Army Headquarters. After the meeting has approved CDA chairman and deputy chairmen, Gen.Sonthi will submit their names to His Majesty the King to sign a royal command officially appointing them.

The CDA chairman is Noraniti Sethabutr (นรนิติ เศรษฐบุตร). The first deputy chairman is Seri Suvannapanond (เสรี สุวรรณภานนท์) and the second chairman is Decho Sawananont (เดโช สวนานนท์).

The meeting will also discuss security measures to deal with possible bomb attacks in Bangkok and rumors spread by ill-intentioned people.

Meanwhile, CNS’s the selection process of the 10 members of the Constitution Drafting Committee (CDC) will begin after the CDA has completed its selection of the rest 25 CDC members.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 09 January 2007

[Jai Dee]

CDA Chairman sought interpretation of CDC from State Council

The Chairman of the Constitution Drafting Assembly (CDA) has petitioned the State Council to interpret qualifications of the Constitution Drafting Committee (CDC), while expressing confidence that the drafting of the new constitution will be finished in time.

Noraniti Sethabutr (นรนิติ เศรษฐบุตร), the CDA chairman, revealed that CDA had requested the State Council to interpret CDC’s qualifications as at present there are very few people qualified to be CDC members. As for a CDA meeting on January 15, Mr Noraniti said the meeting is aimed to introduce each CDC members, not to discuss its working framework.

CDA expects to announce eight candidates for CDC during its second official meeting on January 16.

Mr Noraniti also affirmed that he is not concerned over the timeframe of the drafting of the new constitution and believes that it will be complete before the enforcement of the Election Decree at the end of this year.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 12 January 2007

[Jai Dee]

CDC members expected to be appointed within 10 days

Air Chief Marshal Chalit Pukpasuk (ชลิต พุกผาสุข ), the Commander in Chief of the Royal Thai Air Force and the Deputy Chairman of the Council for National Security (CNS), said that 10 members of the Constitution Drafting Committee (CDC) will be appointed within ten days and the new government will be set up within the end of this year.

As for the new Constitution, ACM Chalit said that it is expected to be completed within four months.

In response to news claiming that Squadron Leader Prasong Soonsiri (ประสงค์ สุ่นศิริ ) is invited to take the role of a deputy prime minister in security-related ministry, ACM Chalit said that he does not know about the news. However, he said that the matter is under the consideration of Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 12 January 2007

[Mid]

it's just me , right .............................

so in 10 days they will have qualified people to rubber stamp what ever it is their stamping ??

[Jai Dee]

Row over panel appointments

Divisions arise over the selection process for people to draft the new constitution

Interested parties are split about the appointment process for 35 charter writers to draft a new constitution and blame one another for trying to fix the new political rules.

"The National Human Rights Commission [NHRC] deems it necessary to expand the people's involvement in the charter-writing, and it is not too late to revise the composition of the body of charter-writers," NHRC chairman Saneh Chamarik said yesterday.

Saneh said the coup leaders and the interim government had erred in asking only a small number of law experts to rewrite the political rules. This led to suspicions of a power grab, he added.

The Constitution Drafting Assembly should be allowed to freely name the 25 charter-writers instead of being forced allocate seats under a quota system, he said.

Should the CDA's charter-writers turn out to be a lopsided representation, the Council for National Security could still balance the drafting panel from its 10 charter-writers, Sanhe said.

He warned that the strict quota allocation of seats would leave many qualified individuals out of the charter rewrite.

NHRC member Sunee Chairos expressed disappointment at the drafting process, which she said suggested that the political system was being changed by a select few into something the people did not want.

"The writing of the charter has got off on the wrong foot by trying to impose the will of the ruling elite on the people instead of asking what the people want," she said.

Sunee's colleague Charan Dithapichai said he doubted whether the country could revert to democratic rule because coup leaders were likely to hold on to power.

Charan expressed suspicion that the quota for charter-writers had been predetermined to weed out individuals unacceptable to the coup leaders.

CDA member Komsan Phokong said he too had doubts about the allocation of seats for charter-writers and urged the interim government to revise it.

The panel of charter-writers should represent a broad spectrum of society, he said.

One of the rules says charter-writers from academia must have gained full professorship, he said, which discriminated against a vast number of respected scholars because the universities had a limited pool of law professors.

CDA chairman Noranit Sethabutr said it was futile to redesign the composition of 35-strong body of charter writers as rival sides would push for greater representation.

"The numbers and qualifications of charter-writers are of less importance than new political rules being enshrined in the new constitution," he said.

The drafting will factor in public opinion, and the first draft is to be vetted by society and relevant authorities, he said, denying speculation that the charter would be designed to serve the coup leaders.

If the drafting panel is to be enlarged to accommodate every advocacy group, the rewrite may never be completed, he said.

Source: The Nation - 13 January 2007