Political parties give nod to amend constitution

BANGKOK, January 29 (TNA) - Political parties, both in the government and opposition camp, on Sunday agree to a government proposal to amend the current 2007 constitution, promulgated about a year earlier following a bloodless coup which toppled the elected government of prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra. The green light came from representatives of several political parties attending a seminar held at a Bangkok hotel. They said there is a need to amend the 2007 constitution due to its problem as it was issued by military-appointed committee and not accept by the public. Jarupong Ruangsuwan, secretary-general of the ruling Pheu Thai Party, charged that the current constitution contains several problems as it limits the rights and freedom. People have opposed it while his party wants to draft a new constitution. Opposition Democrat Party deputy secretary-general Nipon Bunyamanee said it would be unfair to drafters of the present constitution which had amended flaws of the 1997 constitution by setting up independent organizations and special watchdog agencies to monitor politicians. Nikorn Chamnong, adviser of Chartthai Pattana Party which is a partner in the coalition government, opined that article 291 of the constitution should be amended first to allow for the setting up of an elected Constitution Drafting Committee (CDC) which should be comprised of more academics who have sound experience in the constitution. Nikorn said he sees no problem in setting up the elected CDC because of a reconciliation fever among the public. Supachai Jaisamut, spokesman of the opposition Bhum Jai Thai Party, said there is still no urgency in amending the constitution and what the government should do now is to solve people’s income and other problems. However, he said he agreed with an idea in inviting constitution experts to draft a new one should there is a need. (TNA)