Amendment on Senate unconstitutional - Democrats

Jurin warned Parliament President Somsak Kiatsuranont and supporters of the amendment to reconsider their stance on passage of the bill, adding that a statement from the Law Reform Commission of Thailand clearly said that getting all senators elected went against the 2007 Constitution. The commission is led by former attorney-general Kanit na Nakorn.
The opposition chief whip said Somsak should take responsibility if he decides to push forward the bill, since Kanit’s panel had already submitted its statement. He went on to say that the opposition would have no choice but to seek a Constitutional Court ruling if the amendment bill passes a third reading.
“Senators who have a conflict of interest would face the charge of committing constitutional offences,’’ Jurin said.
The House-Senate joint meeting on the charter change, which is seen by critics as a move by the ruling Pheu Thai Party to gain absolute control in both the Senate and the House of Representatives, is set to continue from last Thursday.
Jurin said the Democrats would also ask the House meeting on Thursday to look into falling prices of agricultural products, especially rubber and palm oil. The MPs will also file a motion asking the House to draw up measures to help alleviate the impact on the public from rising living costs.
Chief government whip Amnuay Khlangpha said he expected the charter amendment deliberation to be completed by tomorrow, though it might last into the early hours of the next morning. On Thursday, the House is scheduled to consider motions proposed by MPs, including the problem of falling rubber prices.
He went on to say that the government’s Bt2-trillion loan bill was not on the agenda yet as they were waiting for deliberation on the charter amendment to be completed first.