Thailand’s Draft Charter to Be Completed before Deadline

BANGKOK, February 28 (TNA) - Despite a lightning resignation by a member of the Constitution Drafting Committee (CDC), its chairman Borwornsak Uwanno said he is confident the draft charter would be finished on time. CDC member and also a member of the National Reform Council (NRC) Ticha Na Nakorn submitted her resignation from both positions on Friday after she walked out from a CDC meeting, held in the eastern resort of Pattaya. She had tried to push for a consideration of allowing women to capture at least one-third of total rural administrators and to also become members of the Lower House. Her proposal was not considered and she did not attend Sunday’s meeting. Mrs. Ticha’s resignation becomes effective Sunday. Expressing that he respected Mrs. Ticha’s decision and could not stop her from resigning from the posts, Mr. Borwornsak said National Reform Council chairman Thienchay Kiranandana would appoint a new draft charter replacing her. As draft charter has completed half-way, Mr. Borwornsak said the draft upon completion would focus on four directions including allowing the people to have the voice in the country, transparent politics, promoting justice in the society and restoring peace in the country. A revision will be made on the entire draft charter and officials of the Election Commission, the National Human Rights Commission and several other groups will be invited to express their opinions and this will continue until July, said Mr. Borwornsak. He said he would support for a public referendum on the draft constitution but the final decision would be rested on the National Council for Peace and Order and the cabinet. (TNA)