As the orange hues of the setting sun kissed the facade of the iconic Democracy Monument in Bangkok, there was a buzz of activity that resonated through the Thai capital. (Image courtesy of the talented Pattarapong Chatpattarasill) The evening sky, acting as a theatrical backdrop, provided the perfect setting for what could be considered as the heralding of a new chapter in Thailand’s governance.
It has been announced with a flourish of anticipation that a fresh team tasked with the monumental challenge of crafting a new constitution is soon to be assembled. This assembly, a melting pot of regional wisdom and specialized knowledge, will consist of 77 representatives sprinkled from the vast expanse of Thailand’s provinces, alongside 23 additional individuals selected for their expertise in various pertinent fields, declares Nikon Jamnong, who spearheads the sub-committee dedicated to this constitutional transformation.
The makeup of this assembly is nothing short of a tapestry representing the rich diversity of Thai society. It will include five aficionados in public law, four connoisseurs each in political science, public administration, and an equal number offering their experiences in politics, or the art of charter crafting. But to paint a complete picture, a palette of individuals representing the voices of children, youth, women, the elderly, the disabled, and the proponents of gender diversity will contribute their brushstrokes to this constitutional canvas, elaborated Mr. Nikon.
Following a series of public hearings that collected the voices of students, professionals, civic groups, and parliamentarians alike, the sub-committee achieved a milestone when on Monday, it presented its findings to the greater constitution amendment committee. The common thread through these discussions? A triad of referenda was the favored choice to usher these changes, according to Mr. Nikon.
The potential initiation of these democratic pulses starting with one referendum to gauge the public’s accord with the proposal and two subsequent ones to follow seems quite the triple act. Yet the practicality of funding such participatory feats was of high concern, with a pointed discussion to follow on minimizing the financial burden they would carry. “We aim to conduct this democratic exercise at a minimal cost, striking a balance between fiscal prudence and participatory integrity,” he stressed.
With an estimated tag of 9.6 billion baht for the referenda, as per Thanakorn Wangboonkongchana of the United Thai Nation Party, citing figures from the Election Commission, the challenge lies in budgetary efficiency. His innovative solution? Timing these referenda with local elections wherever feasible, a strategy that could see significant cost reductions.
On the other side of the political spectrum, Parit Wacharasindhu of the Move Forward Party voiced a bold proposition that the drafting assembly’s constitution should be derived solely from election processes, not parliamentary selections. He envisions a triumvirate of ballot papers facilitating this: one for appointing a provincial delegate, another for an expert, and a third for other interests. The party has taken a step further, urging the government to pose a critical question in the inaugural referendum — should the entire drafting assembly’s composition be determined by a direct vote?
Intrigue surrounds these proposed changes, like the soft whispers of Bangkok’s evening breeze. As the day wanes and the Democracy Monument stands resolute — a sentinel in the midst of change — Thailand contemplates its path forward. This could very much be a mirror reflecting the intricate dance of tradition, modernity, and democratic aspiration.
Related: Legal complexities challenge the ongoing dialogue for constitutional amendment.
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