Bangkok: Charan Phakditanakul supports the "20 picks 1" formula, emphasizing the importance of unity in preventing interference from global superpowers.
According to Thai News Agency, the Senate Academic Committee, in collaboration with the King Prajadhipok's Institute, organized an academic seminar where Mr. Wuttichai Kalyanamitra, Chairman of the Senate Subcommittee on Enhancement of Knowledge in the Legislative Sector, delivered the opening address. Professor Charan Phakditanakul, a former judge of the Constitutional Court, delivered a special lecture on "Who Benefits from Constitutional Amendment?" He expressed satisfaction with the resolutions passed by the Constitutional Amendment Committee, which included rejecting the formula of people selecting a 70-member committee to draft the constitution and allowing members of Parliament to select 35 members. He also supported the decision to let 20 members of Parliament select one member of the committee to draft the constitution, noting that this approach enabled both majority and minority participation without conflict.
Professor Charan warned that amending the constitution could potentially open up divisions within the nation. He voiced concerns over the draft involving the people selecting 70 drafters for the new constitution and the parliament selecting 35, fearing it might overpower the committee. Though Parliament accepted the principles, he worried about potential divisions that could arise from following the main draft for consideration.
He highlighted that internal rifts could lead to interference from major powers, stating that if Thailand fails to find a balance, disunity will develop. He drew parallels to events in Ukraine and the Middle East, cautioning that a divided country could become a proxy battleground for global superpowers competing for influence.
Professor Charan proposed a Triple Win Solution to balance diverse interests for the benefit of the country and the Thai people. This principle requires respect for the majority, consideration of the minority, and a victory that benefits both the country and its people by finding common ground. He emphasized that if the country is destroyed, coexistence between the majority and minority would be impossible, thus underscoring the need for unity and common ground.