Bangkok: The Pheu Thai Party has unveiled a draft amendment to the constitution, introducing a framework for a new Constitution Drafting Assembly (CDA) composed of 100 elected members and 51 representatives from academic and organizational sectors. This assembly is tasked with drafting a new constitution within a 180-day period, with strict stipulations that the form of government or state remains unchanged. Parliament retains the authority to amend or reject the proposed constitution during its session.

According to Thai News Agency, the Pheu Thai Party intends to submit the draft amendment to the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mr. Wan Muhammad Noor Matha, after securing the necessary signatures from MPs. The draft outlines two key amendments: an amendment to Section 156, which details Parliament’s duties and powers, and the introduction of Section 15/1, which delineates the process for drafting a new constitution post-referendum approval. The proposed assembly will consist of 151 members, with 100 elected from provincial candidates and 51 appointed by Parliament from various organizations and sectors.

The draft specifies that the Election Commission (EC) must conduct the election for the Constituent Assembly within 60 days, followed by candidate certification within 15 days. Parliament will then engage in a secret ballot to finalize the list of 100 candidates. The drafting process includes the formation of a 27-member Constitution Drafting Committee, which will review and draft the new constitution. The committee will comprise experts in public law, political science, public administration, and related fields.

The Pheu Thai Party emphasizes a 180-day deadline for drafting the new constitution, with a requirement to uphold the democratic system with the monarchy as the head of state. After completion, the Constituent Assembly will present the draft to Parliament for approval, with provisions for amendments based on parliamentary feedback. If Parliament disapproves the draft by a two-thirds majority, a new drafting process will be initiated, subject to motion by the Cabinet, MPs, and Senators.

The ultimate goal is to have the draft constitution approved by Parliament and then submitted to a public referendum through the Election Commission. The process aims to ensure that the new constitution reflects both parliamentary and public consensus.