Election related agencies need to be reviewed
In 1997 Thailand got a new Constitution that is still seen as the best ever. A number of organizations were set up to supervise the proper functioning of the democratic process. In an op-ed in the Bangkok Post, Thitinan Pongsudhirak describes how the coups d'état of 2006 and 2014 with new Constitutions also placed other individuals in these organizations, individuals loyal only to the powers that be the ruling authorities, thus damaging democracy .
The 'popular constitution' of 1997 that was lost
Now that discussions about amending the current constitution regularly make the news, it can do no harm to look back at the much-lauded former constitution of 1997. That constitution is known as the 'people's constitution' (รัฐธรรมนูญฉบับประชาชน, rát-thà-tham -ma- noen chàbàb prà-chaa-chon) and is still a special and unique specimen. It was the first and last time that the people were intensively involved in the drafting of a new constitution. This is in stark contrast to, for example, the current constitution, which is established through a junta government. That is also why there are organizations that try to restore something of what took place in 1997. What made the 1997 constitution so unique?
Free elections in Thailand?
There has been a lot to do about this. Well, no, delay. Today it happened. What will it bring? Can the Thai really control their future?
Statement of the week: Constitution is not the main challenge for new Thai government
The constitution is full of beautiful sentences. You would like everyone, including the government, to adhere to it. Various political parties that will participate in the elections in 2019 have heard that they want to change the existing constitution, for the umpteenth time. In my opinion, the new government should focus much, much better on solving much more important issues in Thai society
King Maha Vajiralongkorn signs new constitution
His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn signed the new constitution for Thailand on Thursday. This 20th constitution should put an end to the ongoing political conflicts in the country. A constitutional commission (CDC) has been working on the constitution for months and the way is now clear for elections to be held in 2018.
Readers' opinion: 'The current political situation in Thailand is not an aberration, but the norm'
With a turnout of 58%, 61% of Thais voted in favor of the new constitution in which democracy is given only a limited role and the military retains power through the unelected senate. Thailand is almost certain to face a period that will be marked by further bloodshed. The bombings of the last few days are a sinister harbinger of what lies ahead in Thailand.
Thai people say 'yes' to constitution junta
The Thai people have voted in a referendum in favor of a new constitution that guarantees the continued influence of the army. After 94 percent of the votes had been counted, about 61 percent voted in favor of the constitution. Just under 39% are against.
About 50 million citizens with voting rights can vote in a referendum today for or against a new constitution, which was drafted by a committee appointed by the military rulers.
Thaksin Shinawatra highly critical of draft constitution
Former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra is very critical of the junta's draft constitution, which can be voted for or against in a referendum on August 7
Thailand is facing exciting times. The upcoming referendum on the draft constitution, however it turns out, will not resolve the existing contradictions in the political sphere.
Thai police have arrested two eight-year-old girls for pulling voting lists from the wall of a school. They are therefore accused of “obstructing the referendum process” and “destroying public property”
Bangkok Post opens today with the headline: 'The clock is ticking towards an important test for the junta'. All eyes are on the referendum, which will determine whether the regime delivers on its promised “Roadmap to Democracy” and sets a date for general elections.”
Draft constitution rejected: Elections postponed in Thailand
Thailand will be ruled by the military Junta for even longer than expected now that the proposal for the new constitution has been rejected by parliament. Of those eligible to vote, 135 were against the draft, compared to 105 in favour.
The Thai cabinet has forwarded its comments on the draft constitution to the Constitution Commission (CDC). There are no less than 100 adjustments on the list. According to Deputy Prime Minister Wissanu Krea-ngam, half of this concerns substantive changes and the other half mainly concerns the choice of wording.
Referendum on constitution: elections postponed
The controversial new constitution will be tested by referendum. With this, the Reform Commission (NCPO) and the cabinet are responding to the wishes of the opposition and the people. The referendum will be held in January 2016. As a result, the elections are postponed for six months.
News from Thailand – Friday, May 1, 2015
A selection of today's most important Thai news, including:
– May 1: Labor Day
– Labor groups want higher minimum wage in Thailand
– Prayut begs EU for mercy on fisheries
– Referendum will lead to postponement of elections
– Businessman killed in Nonthaburi
News from Thailand – Tuesday, April 21, 2015
A selection of today's most important Thai news, including:
– CDC: New constitution will bring real reconciliation
– Prayut: Corrupt retired civil servants also dealt with
– Thailand close to an EU import ban on fish
– Begging on the street is prohibited