Bangkok: Parliament debated the qualifications of members of the Constitution Drafting Committee under Article 256/3, with Witthaya questioning why politicians are barred from running, suggesting fear that politicians might draft constitutions to their own advantage. He threatened to file a petition with the Constitutional Court to interpret the conflicting wording of the law.
According to Thai News Agency, the joint session of Parliament, an extraordinary session, was held to consider the draft amendment to the Constitution of the Kingdom of Thailand. Senator Ratchanikorn Thongthip, a minority committee member, challenged the qualifications set by the majority committee, questioning the experience of 25-year-olds in drafting constitutions, as they would have only encountered a few constitutions in their lifetime. She emphasized the importance of both qualifications and age in the drafting process.
Mr. Witthaya Kaewphradai, from the Ruam Thai Sang Chart Party, expressed confusion over the exclusion of politicians who recently resigned from applying to the committee. He questioned the rationale behind prohibiting former officials from applying and the five-year waiting period. With his extensive experience, Witthaya challenged the criteria and threatened to seek a Constitutional Court interpretation on the matter.
He questioned the fear of politicians drafting self-serving constitutions and suggested that if that was the sole concern, amendments might be unnecessary. He argued that the selection of committee members by a Parliament created under a dictatorial constitution could undermine the process.
Mr. Nattawut Buaprathum, chairman of the committee, clarified that while not a judge, the committee’s intent was clear regarding the qualifications. He affirmed that the process must consider any conflicts or prohibited characteristics as outlined in Article 256/4.
The meeting concluded with a vote on Article 256/3, which passed with a majority, approving it with 530 votes in favor, 30 against, and several abstentions.