Opposition set to seek court advice on amendment

"Once the second reading of the charter amendment is completed, the opposition will ask the Constitutional Court to consider whether this amendment goes against Article 68 of the Constitution, which refers to overthrowing the political system and acquiring power in unconstitutional ways. We will also request an injunction before the third reading," Jurin said.

According to the law, a third reading can be arranged 15 days after the second reading is completed.

The 12th day of the second reading began with the joint House-Senate meeting considering Article 10 of the 13 Articles in the charter amendment bill related to senators’ election and qualifications.

Appointed senator Somchai Swangkarn proposed removing Article 10 entirely, saying it would be problematic if the charter amendment was completed after the current Senate’s term ends in March.

Article 10 of the charter amendment bill allows current appointed senators who have not completed their term to continue their work.

Meanwhile, should the amended law go into effect, the entire 200-member Senate would be elected.

Nevertheless, the Article was later approved with 354:14 votes after nine hours of discussion.

Separately, the Constitutional Court yesterday decided not to accept the case filed by activist Borworn Yasinthorn against Parliament President Somsak Kiatsuranont, government MPs and those senators who submitted the motion of charter amendment.

In the petition filed in April, Borworn’s group said that changing these laws would change the structure of the Senate and hence, change Thailand’s political structure. The group also asked the court to issue an injunction.

However, the judges said there were no ground or evidence suggesting that the charter amendment would in any way overthrow democracy or allow the taking over of administrative power in an unconstitutional manner.

Constitutional Court judges voted 7:1 to reject the case.