Bangkok: Bhumjaithai Party spokesperson has announced that the constitutional amendment process will primarily rely on the draft prepared by the Bhumjaithai Party. Ms. Nan Bunthida Somchai emphasized that Sections 1 and 2 of the constitution will remain unchanged, and that MPs will have the right to vote if their votes increase. She did not comment on whether this action would violate the Memorandum of Understanding (MOA) and expressed no concern over potential political maneuvers by the Pheu Thai Party in parliament.
According to Thai News Agency, Ms. Nan, along with Mr. Akaradej Wongpitakroj, an MP from the Ruam Thai Sang Chart Party, and Mr. Akkhara Thongchaisod, an MP from the Palang Pracharath Party, held a press conference following a meeting with ministers, MPs, and leaders of political groups participating in the government at the Bhumjaithai Party headquarters. The meeting included discussions on preparation for the upcoming joint parliamentary session focused on constitutional amendments. Three drafts have been submitted to Parliament for consideration, and discussions centered around examining these drafts’ content and key principles.
Ms. Nan stated that no decision had been made regarding the debaters or the timeline for the debates. Initially, Mr. Krawee Prisananantakul and Mr. Akkaradej are expected to join the debate. However, a consensus among MPs is that Sections 1 and 2 will not undergo amendments.
When questioned about concerns from the Pheu Thai Party regarding the acceptance of draft bills from the Bhumjaithai and Prachachon parties, Ms. Nan made it clear that the review process would focus on the content rather than the party origin of the draft bills. She stressed the importance of substance and content in identifying similarities or differences. The Government Coalition Coordination Committee is set to meet again to discuss these issues and reach a conclusion.
Ms. Nan reiterated the Bhumjaithai Party’s stance against amending Chapters 1 and 2 of the constitution, responding to potential proposals from the People’s Party. She also asserted that the voting rights of MPs are their privilege, and while the Bhumjaithai Party and coalition parties’ votes are likely to align, they are not bound by a coalition party resolution.
Concerns raised during the meeting primarily revolved around the content of each draft, with discussions ongoing to analyze potential problems that may arise if the drafts are accepted. Ms. Nan confirmed that the Bhumjaithai Party’s draft will serve as the main draft based on initial discussions.
The MOU from 2000-2001 remains undiscussed as it pertains to Cabinet affairs, with the House committee currently reviewing the content. The timeline for reaching a conclusion depends on the committee’s progress.
During the meeting, Deputy Prime Minister for Legal Affairs, Mr. Bowornsak Uwanno, visited the Bhumjaithai Party headquarters to advise MPs on the current constitution’s content and amendments. This guidance will be instrumental in the discussions during the joint parliamentary session scheduled for October 14-15.
Ms. Nan addressed the establishment of a “war room” or bodyguards to oversee debates, clarifying that the Bhumjaithai Party has not appointed any bodyguards. She emphasized that debaters must adhere to House meeting regulations and are responsible for the content of their debates, which must comply with regulations and not harm others.
Regarding potential political games in Parliament, Ms. Nan expressed no concern but noted the importance of observing the format of the upcoming meeting. The House agenda for the MP meeting on Thursday includes live questions and discussion of the draft Clean Air Act, which she hopes will pass its second and third readings to allow consideration of other legislation. Ms. Nan urged MPs to attend the meeting to vote on the draft Clean Air Act.
Addressing whether increased votes would violate the MOA with the Prachachon Party, Ms. Nan stated that voting rights are the MPs’ exclusive rights, and the MOA is based on support. She clarified that the Bhumjaithai Party has not instructed MPs to support her stance.
Akaradej Wongpitakroj, MP for Ratchaburi and a member of the Ruam Thai Sang Chart Party, clarified that his attendance at the Bhumjaithai Party meeting was not as a representative of coalition parties but as an MP supporting the government and Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul. He requested media understanding that the meeting was not a coalition party meeting but a gathering of government-supporting MPs.