As the days on the calendar slip by, the daunting task of crafting a new constitution remains an elusive dream for the Thai government, with prospects looking grim for its completion within the existing term. With less than three years to go, the secretary of the joint House-Senate panel on the charter referendum bill, Nikorn Chamnong, throws a spotlight on this political quandary, hinting that this monumental task won’t likely see the light of day before the next general election.
Picture this: the chaotic yet fascinating world of Thai politics, where timelines aren’t mere suggestions but a whimsical play of events that often defy expectations. Mr. Chamnong, who dons the hat of chief strategist for the coalition Chartthaipattana Party, paints a picture of urgency in an arena where time seems to crawl. According to the current schedule, it would be quite the uphill battle to have a fresh charter ready by the projected April 2027 election. That’s assuming Mother Nature and political winds favor the current MPs, keeping them warm and comfy in office until then.
Yet, this is not the end of the hurdles. Enter, stage left, the organic laws, the backstage crew crucial for a smooth electoral performance. Their absence means the next electoral ballet will twirl under the watchful eyes of a constitution conceived amidst the stormy days of a coup-installed regime back in good ol’ 2017.
The narrative twists and turns with the House of Representatives and the Senate bickering like characters in a soap opera. The bone of contention? The mandate needed to leap the referendum barrier for a constitutional makeover. While the House chants for a simple majority, the Senate, guarding the gates of democracy, demands a robust double majority. The plot thickens as a joint committee sets out on a quest to reconcile these differences.
In a tone that’s as careful as a cat tiptoeing through a room full of sleeping dogs, Mr. Chamnong remarks that the panel’s next dramatic ensemble is due on November 6, with promises of weekly gatherings every Wednesday. Forestalling any flash of impatience, there is no stopwatch ticking away, as parliamentary doors swing shut until mid-December. He assures that the panel will invest this recess reviewing matters thoroughly, discarding the initial referendum timeline like an outdated blueprint.
The plan? To originally hitch the referendum to February’s nationwide local elections, hoping to economize by bundling them up like an all-inclusive vacation package. The grand referendum trilogy rolls out like a blockbuster series. The opening act—asking voters if they desire a sparkly new charter. Should the audience roar in agreement, the sequel explores tweaking Section 256 to permit charter drafting. The climactic final act involves deciding whether the newly minted constitution gets its license to thrill the republic.
The joint committee has already rolled out the red carpet for Pol Maj Gen Chattawat Saengpet, a senator who takes on the starring role as chairman in this unfolding drama. The ambition is to direct the referendum well before parliament returns from its intermission in December. Next up on the committee’s script: gathering insights from the cast and roping in agencies such as the Election Commission for guest appearances in subsequent acts.
All suspense culminates in an early December finale meeting to wrap discussions. Should the curtain fall without a reconciliatory ending from the group, the bill might face a seasonal hibernation of 180 days. Yet the House holds the trump card—it might still call forth the bill, usher it onto the stage, and decree its enactment. In this grand political theater, the show must, and will, go on, for the sake of democracy and entertainment alike.
Isn’t it ironic that a new constitution might not be ready before the election? What about the voices calling for change?
It’s classic politics! They make grand promises to get votes and then act surprised when deadlines aren’t met.
Let’s not forget the complexity of writing a new constitution. It’s not just politics as usual.
Why are the Senate and House bickering over this? This should be straightforward.
Because each has a different agenda! The Senate likes the power they have now.
So frustrating! Just agree on something already for the sake of progress.
Simple majority vs double majority is tough. It’s about who controls the future government, really.
Mr. Chamnong seems pretty optimistic or just naive. Isn’t it obvious that politics is dragging its feet on this?
He might just be playing it safe. No point in stirring the pot too much with dates that aren’t feasible.
The whole process is a sham. It’s all about who can delay it long enough to retain power!
Unfortunately, politics often ends up prioritizing power over real change.
This could be a great learning moment for students. Real-world politics and the intricacies involved.
True! And it shows students how difficult it can be to get a diverse government to agree.
Why can’t they just organize and get it done? Technology could speed up writing the draft at least.
Technology might help, but it’s the human disagreements that slow everything down.
I’m just waiting for the day when people in power actually put people first over their own interests.
Keep dreaming! When has that ever truly happened in politics anywhere?
Thailand, like many countries, wants change but isn’t ready for the disruption it brings. Just another saga.
Any guesses on how this ‘political theater’ will end?
The show never ends! They’ll likely continue negotiating until the very last minute.
Does anyone realize how important a constitution is? It’s the backbone of a country.
Why not hire experts and streamline the process? There’s literally software to draft legal documents.
It’s not about tools, it’s the discussions and agreements that take time.
Why are organic laws pivotal? Can’t we just focus on the big constitution first?
Organic laws regulate the details essential for executing the constitution itself.
When do we find out if the joint committee succeeds? This waiting game seems endless.
Is this political chaos unique to Thailand or is it just as bad elsewhere too?
Political chaos is literally a global phenomenon, unfortunately.
I hope they figure it out soon. Seems like politics gets in the way of progress.