Bhumjaithai party in favour of drafting a new Constitution

The executive committee of the Bhumjaithai party resolved in favour of the drafting of a new Constitution today, by a constitution drafting assembly, with the exception of Chapters 1 and 2 of the current charter.

Chapter 2 concerns the monarchy and Chapter 1 concerns the Thai state, which also encompasses matters relating to the monarchy, the democratic system with the King as head of state, the rule of law, rights and liberties of the people and equality.

Karavee Prissananantakul, a member of the executive committee, said that the committee believes that a charter which is drafted by a charter-drafting assembly will be more acceptable to the public.

Bhumjaithai party’s secretary-general, Chaichana Chidchob, meanwhile, said the party is yet to be contacted by the Pheu Thai party for discussions about constitutional amendments relating to the ethical standards of politicians and political office holders.

He said the party agrees that ethical standards are important, the upholding of which should be mandatory for both politicians and political parties.

Party leader Anutin Charnvirakul, meanwhile, said that maintaining ethical standards is not the party’s political position but it is “a way of life”, adding that if politicians do not want have their ethical standards screened, then they better stay at home or do their own business instead of ‘playing’ at politics.

Anutin, also a deputy prime minister, said Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra believes that, if a person complies with the law and does not do anything wrong, he or she should not be afraid to be scrutinized.

The ruling Pheu Thai party is keen to amend the charter pertaining to ethical standards, following the case of former prime minister Srettha Thavisin who was found guilty by the Constitutional Court for ethical misconduct for his appointment of a convict, Phichit Chuenban, as a minister.