PUBLISHED: 3 October 2023 at 4:00 p.m.
According to screen president Phumtham Wechayachai, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin will receive the composition of a government-initiated panel to review the vote on amending the charter today.
The deputy prime minister and commerce secretary, Mr. Phumtham, announced that he had assembled the contract election committee and that the names of the members would be given to the premier.
The number of users is now 35, but he plans to keep it at no more than 30. He added that they include officials, political activists, members of the legal field, and representatives of those involved in surveillance affairs.
He claimed that although the Move Forward Party ( MFP) has agreed to join the panel, its representative has not yet been named.
Users of social motions, student activists, and professional organizations will also be on the board.
Pheu Thai Party members include Dech-it Khaothong of the Democrat Party, MP Chusak Sirinil, past judge permanent secretary Kittipong Kittiyarak, Chartthaipattana Party Nikom Chamong, Thanakorn Wangboonkongchana from the Bhumjaithai Party.
Representatives from various businesses include social advocate Sirawith” Ja New” Seritiwat, former assistant police chief Pol Gen Suthep Boonraksa, red-shirt part Viphuthalaeng Pattanaphumthai, and Gen Chatchawal Khamkasem, a former director-general of the Secretariat Department Office under the Permanent Secretary for Defence.
After the prime minister’s evaluation, Mr. Phumtham said his committee will establish the working schedule. He added that by the end of this year, it should be clear whether a referendum will be required and how many sessions are required.
He added that it is too early to talk about potential issues that voters may be asked.
Mr. Phumtham previously stated that he anticipated the rewrite of the charter and the following natural laws to get finished four years after the amendment’s announcement. The state wanted to keep the number of elections to a minimum because it’s estimated that each round will cost between 3 and 4 billion baht.
The Constitutional Court ruled in 2021 that any attempt to alter the whole charter must be approved by the general public. If the first referendum is successful, a second one will be held to determine public opinion of the new language.