The ruling Pheu Thai Party’s recent reversal on its charter amendment proposal concerning the ethical standards for political officeholders has ignited speculation about the government’s commitment to pursue any charter amendments or draft a new constitution.
Pheu Thai has submitted a bill to parliament intending to revise parts of the 2017 charter, including Section 160, which delineates the requirements for individuals aspiring to become ministers, emphasizing the need for evident honesty and a clean ethical record.
However, this proposal has encountered substantial opposition from coalition partners, particularly the Bhumjaithai and United Thai Nation (UTN) parties. Pheu Thai secretary-general Sorawong Thienthong suggested a potential withdrawal of the bill for further evaluation.
Analysts have expressed concerns over the feasibility of section-by-section charter amendments and whether the overall charter rewrite process can adhere to its proposed timeline.
Prioritizing Public Sentiment
Pheu Thai list-MP Sutin Klungsang stated that any constitutional revisions should reflect public opinion, leading to the party’s decision to retreat on the amendment initiative.
He emphasized that the party does not view this reversal as an embarrassment.
With the possibility of section-by-section amendments now shelved, the party is looking toward a more comprehensive rewrite aimed at enhancing the ethical standards of political officeholders.
However, he noted the uncertainty surrounding the timeline for this process, particularly given that the proposal will undergo multiple rounds of public referendums.
Sutin mentioned that a new charter is unlikely to be implemented before the next general election, although Pheu Thai may revisit section-by-section amendments in the future to tackle pressing issues.
Addressing criticisms that the move is self-serving, he clarified that the intention is to safeguard political officeholders and maintain stability.
“There is potential for coalition partners to find common ground in the future. If they see politicians as representatives of the people, they won’t perceive our actions as self-interested,” he said.
Sutin: Consider public views
Section Edits on Hold
Given significant resistance from coalition partners, it appears unlikely that Pheu Thai will pursue section-by-section amendments to prevent further division, according to sources within the People’s Party (PP).
The PP also indicated that their proposed amendments might not gain parliamentary approval, but they intend to raise awareness of the charter’s issues.
“We’re highlighting these problems because they are significant. None of the 30 MPs facing ethical scrutiny have endorsed the bill, signaling that this is not for our benefit,” the source stated.
This remark came in light of ongoing investigations into the ethical conduct of politicians from the now-dissolved Move Forward Party (MFP), whose members previously supported a bill for revising the lese majeste law.
According to the source, any charter rewrite is unlikely to conclude within the next three years due to anticipated opposition from senators aligned with coalition parties.
Last week, after Pheu Thai’s turnaround, PP list-MP Parit Wacharasindhu announced that the party was halting its push to amend charter provisions concerning ethical standards for political officeholders.
He expressed concerns that this matter could be leveraged by the coalition government to withdraw support for other party proposals.
Nonetheless, the opposition party intends to advocate for six additional constitutional changes, including a bill to prevent military coups, armed forces reforms, and measures to prevent collusion between the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) and the government.
Potential for Conflict
UTN deputy leader and list-MP Wittaya Kaewparadai warned that Pheu Thai’s six-point proposal lacks public interest consideration and could stir further conflict. He drew parallels to the party’s prior attempt to enact a controversial blanket amnesty bill during the Yingluck Shinawatra administration, which incited public protests and precipitated the 2014 coup.
This bill was perceived as an effort to absolve former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra of legal issues, prioritizing political interests over those of the electorate, he noted.
“These proposed issues may lead to public protests, albeit possibly with lower participation. However, we cannot underestimate the potential divisiveness, which could trigger petitions to various agencies,” he cautioned.
Wittaya stated he will communicate to his party the reasons why the proposed amendment is not aligned with the nation’s best interests.
He believes that Pheu Thai will struggle to achieve its charter amendment goals unless it collaborates with the opposition People’s Party, which has previously put forth a similar proposal. He emphasized the necessity for the government to adhere to its commitment for a charter rewrite while excluding Chapters 1 and 2.
Wittaya: Issue is divisive
Referendum on the Horizon
Prior to Pheu Thai’s policy reversal, concerns were raised by Nikorn Chamnong, secretary to the special House committee reviewing the referendum bill, regarding the implications of revising ethical standards for politicians on the broader charter reform process.
During a recent forum, he cautioned that such changes might influence voter decisions in the forthcoming referendum, and he expressed uncertainty about the Senate’s position on the bill up for review in the Upper House.
The House recently adjusted Section 13 of the Referendum Act, removing the “double majority” requirement in favor of a simple majority rule, signifying that a referendum will be passed with just over half of the votes cast.
This amendment was overwhelmingly approved by the House and has since moved to the Senate for consideration. Although the Senate initially expressed support, a special committee has recommended reinstating the “double majority” requirement and is set to deliberate on the issue soon.
Nikorn indicated that if the Senate were to revert to the double majority requirement, the bill’s progress would be halted for six months before returning to the House, delaying the referendum planned for early February next year and opening avenues for alternative charter amendments.
“The charter rewrite’s future largely depends on the referendum set for early February,” he added.
Nikorn: Bid could complicate rewrite
Political science lecturer Yutthaporn Issarachai noted that it would be unsurprising if the ruling party opts not to revisit ethical standards for politicians, considering coalition partners’ opposition.
He pointed out that charter amendments require consensus from both the House and Senate, as well as at least 20% support from the opposition. Without backing from a major coalition member like Bhumjaithai, any such effort may falter.
Yutthaporn highlighted that the government must engage in negotiation to uphold coalition unity, citing the consensus achieved on cannabis policy as an illustrative example.
“If agreement is not reached between the House and Senate on the referendum bill, the timeline for the charter rewrite will undoubtedly shift,” he concluded.
Yutthaporn: Govt must maintain unity
