Bangkok: The Bhumjaithai Party has finalized its draft for amending the constitution and is currently gathering the necessary signatures to present it to the Speaker of the House. The draft is set to be included on the agenda on September 24th. Adjustments will be made to align with the Constitutional Court's ruling regarding the origins of the Constituent Assembly members, following a framework that ensures one member per province, in addition to academics and experts.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Paradorn Prisananantakul, Minister to the Prime Minister's Office and MP for Ang Thong of the Bhumjaithai Party, provided an update on the progress of the draft constitutional amendment. Tasked by Mr. Chaichanok Chidchob, Secretary-General of the Bhumjaithai Party, Mr. Paradorn affirmed the completion of the draft amendment to Section 256 of the constitution. The party is actively seeking signatures from MPs to meet the constitutional requirement of one-fifth of the vote. With the party holding 69 seats, discussions are underway with other coalition parties to gather the necessary support. Once compiled, the signature list will be submitted to the Speaker of the House of Representatives for inclusion on the agenda.
Mr. Paradorn acknowledged that the details of the Bhumjaithai Party's draft had undergone significant changes due to the Constitutional Court's ruling. The court's decision necessitated that the drafting body could not be directly elected by citizens, requiring parliamentary involvement in drafting the constitution in compliance with the ruling. The plan involves candidates applying through the Election Commission, with Parliament selecting one representative from each province, totaling 77 members. An additional 22 members will comprise academics and experts in fields like law and political science. This approach mirrors the 1996 constitutional amendment process, which informed the creation of the Constituent Assembly in 1997.
In response to suggestions from the People's Party for Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, leader of the Bhumjaithai Party, to engage with senators for support, Mr. Paradorn emphasized the importance of cooperation among all political factions. With major parties, including the People's Party, Pheu Thai Party, and other coalition partners, aligning on the constitutional amendment, it is crucial to secure a one-third majority from senators. Mr. Paradorn highlighted the collective responsibility of MPs to engage in dialogue with senators, ensuring their support and understanding of the amendment's necessity and substance. While Mr. Anutin plays a role as an MP, the onus is on all parties and MPs to collaborate in negotiations, striving towards the successful amendment of the constitution.