Bangkok: Lisa has identified the constitution as the root cause of Thailand’s economic issues, arguing that it renders the people’s voices meaningless.
According to Thai News Agency, since the implementation of the 2017 Constitution, the Prime Minister has never been from the leading party, hindering the government’s ability to implement its policies. Lisa contends that drafting a new constitution is the only solution.
Ms. Phakamon Nunan, a party-list MP for the Prachachon Party, recently participated in a parliamentary debate regarding a draft constitutional amendment. She highlighted the challenges of discussing constitutional matters in Thailand, noting that even some politicians shy away from engaging the public on these issues, perpetuating the perception of the constitution as a complex and elite-centric subject. This approach has distanced the public from constitutional discussions, turning it into a perceived elite issue, disconnected from grassroots concerns.
Ms. Phakamon emphasized that the elite have historically attempted to separate the constitution from the people’s lives, creating a culture where citizens focus solely on making a living. The education system contributes to this by teaching only that the constitution is the highest law, without explaining its significance or the political struggles surrounding it. This environment has fostered a belief that constitutional matters are not the public’s concern, a sentiment reinforced by historical instances of constitutional changes following coups, leading to economic disparities.
The MP argued that the deliberate complexity of the constitution serves to protect elite interests while undermining the livelihoods of the general public. She pointed out that the constitution is directly linked to economic survival, highlighting the struggles faced by the grassroots over the past decade. These struggles are not accidental but are the result of governance structures designed by the junta and its allies to benefit a wealthy minority.
Ms. Phakamon explained that while the constitution does not directly set economic policies like pricing or taxation, it influences who controls the country’s resources and economic direction. Since the enactment of the 2017 constitution, Thailand has seen four prime ministers, none from the top-ranked party, weakening political parties and eroding public confidence in the parliamentary system.
She warned that without constitutional reform, Thailand will remain trapped in a political cycle that benefits a select few while ignoring the needs of the majority. Addressing economic inequality and improving livelihoods requires political change, a challenge compounded by constitutional barriers that disadvantage the people.
Ms. Phakamon concluded by asserting that the power to shape a new constitution lies with the people. This power is not merely a political issue but a fundamental decision about the future of Thai citizens’ livelihoods. She emphasized that the ability to dream and hope for a better life is essential to human dignity, urging for constitutional reform as the path to unlocking Thailand’s economic potential and ensuring a better future for its people.