Bhumjaithai seeks charter rewrite through 100-member drafting assembly

Bhumjaithai lawmakers today submitted a constitutional rewrite draft legislation to House Speaker Sophon Zaram, with its leader and current prime minister Anutin Charnvirakul saying that the party is responding to the will of the people following a referendum calling for certain constitutional changes.

Anutin said the party wants to demonstrate its commitment to constitutional reform after facing criticism that it was insincerity in its efforts to make the charter more democratic.

“We came because the people told us to come,” Anutin said. “It is not because of distorted accusations claiming that Bhumjaithai lacks sincerity in amending the constitution.”

The draft was formally submitted to Speaker of the House Sophon Zaram.

Anutin added that the Bhumjaithai party was the first formally to submit a constitutional amendment proposal for parliamentary consideration.

Asked whether he was confident the bill would win Senate approval, Anutin said that the outcome will depend on both chambers of parliament.

“The House and the Senate will determine the direction of the constitutional amendment process,” he said.

On reports that the opposition People's party plans to submit its own amendment proposal next week, Anutin said Bhumjaithai would first need to review the draft before deciding whether to support it.

Asked whether the government is genuinely committed to constitutional reform, Anutin nodded and replied: “We are standing here already. How can that not be serious? It is definitely serious.”

Sophon said parliament will now proceed with placing the amendment bill on the parliamentary agenda for further consideration.

He added that other parties are also free to submit additional amendment proposals.

Yesterday, PM’s Office Minister Paradorn Prissananantakul said the draft bill, endorsed by 190 MPs, seeks to amend Article 256 of the constitution, in response to the wishes of 21 million people who voted in favour of a new charter in the recent referendum.

He said Bhumjaithai’s constitutional amendment draft legislation calls for the establishment of a 100-member Constitution Drafting Assembly to be selected by parliament.

Those interested in joining the assembly will be able to apply in their respective provinces.

Applicants will then be narrowed down to a shortlist, from which parliament will select one representative from each province, along with three reserves.