Pheu Thai Remains Committed to Charter Amendment Efforts
The opposition has voiced serious concerns over the stalled charter amendment process, suggesting it could be a bargaining chip among coalition partners. These apprehensions were articulated during a recent House meeting by a representative from the opposition party.
During an interpellation directed at the Prime Minister, the official was absent, leaving Deputy Minister of Digital Economy and Society to address the assembly.
The representative pressed for explanations regarding the reluctance of a coalition party and numerous senators to support the charter rewrite initiative.
This issue follows two failed attempts to vote on the amendment of Section 256, which is crucial for setting up a Constitution Drafting Assembly (CDA) to facilitate a complete charter rewrite.
Bhumjaithai has expressed strong opposition to altering Section 256, fearing potential legal repercussions, as prior rulings suggest that creating a CDA equates to a full charter rewrite that would necessitate a referendum.
Deputy Minister Discusses Diverse Perspectives
The push to amend Section 256 has been paused while Pheu Thai seeks a ruling from the Constitutional Court to clarify parliamentary authority in modifying this section for charter amendments.
Despite Bhumjaithai’s commitment to collaborate post-court ruling, uncertainties linger regarding the support from the predominant “blue” senators.
The Prime Minister had indicated discussions with coalition parties about the charter rewrite proposal, though this claim has been contested by Bhumjaithai’s leader.
Additionally, there is discord among coalition partners concerning the controversial entertainment complex draft bill, particularly regarding casino inclusion.
Questions have been raised about whether the stalling of the charter amendment is a strategy to garner Bhumjaithai’s backing for the entertainment project.
“I seek clarity on how coalition partners can unite behind the entertainment complex bill without any hidden agreements,” stated the representative.
Meanwhile, the Deputy Minister asserted Pheu Thai’s genuine intention to amend the charter, emphasizing that the pursuit of a Constitutional Court ruling aims to protect lawmakers from potential legal issues stemming from changes to Section 256.
Coalition partners are prepared to support the section amendment following the court’s decision, maintaining that differing opinions are common but do not indicate disunity.
The two bills addressing the modification of Section 256, sponsored by Pheu Thai and another party, underscore the importance of seeking judicial clarity to safeguard coalition members from legal risks.
The entertainment complex bill is currently under review by the Council of State and has yet to be presented to parliament; the government emphasizes the significance of both the entertainment complexes and charter amendments as critical policies.
