NRC set to see hot debate on directly elected PM

A hot debate looms this week in the National Reform Council regarding the proposal for direct election of the prime minister and cabinet members. 

Two conflicting ideas have been mooted – by the Constitution Drafting Committee (CDC), which prefers a parliamentary vote, and the National Reform Council (NRC) committee on political reform, which has proposed direct election.

Earlier, the suggestion by Sombat Thamrongthanyawong, chairman of the panel on political reform, for direct election of the PM and the cabinet members had been opposed by CDC member Suchit Bunbongkarn and some other charter drafters, as they believed the system is not suitable for the country. Such a move would also change the parliamentary system of governance entirely, they had argued.

The president of the NRC, Thienchay Kiranandana, had highlighted political, and legal and judicial reforms.

Meanwhile, NRC member Wanchai Sornsiri, as the whip’s spokesman, added that this week’s meeting from today until Wednesday would see 18 NRC committees make a scrutiny of reform proposals.

Wanchai said once all the members have expressed themselves in the debate, they would vote on the proposals to decide if they should be forwarded to the CDC for consideration.

“I believe the vote would resolve all issues as the NRC will forward the proposals to the CDC. Moreover, there would be no voting on any specific topic, but rather the voting would be on the whole proposal,” the spokesman added. 

He said the topic of direct election of the PM would see many members join the debate because there are contrasting opinions within the NRC members on the idea.

He also said as it was an unprecedented concept, members have doubts on whether the system has adequate checks and balances or whether it would give the prime minister too much authority.

The NRC meeting will also cover another important reform topic, regarding the legal and justice system.

The NRC panel on the legal and justice system has proposed reforming the police department because of the department’s manipulation of many cases, even forging evidence in some cases.

The panel has asked for a committee to investigate and closely scrutinise the police department in order to prevent unlawful actions.

In order to achieve this, the panel has called for the winding up of the Office of Police Commission and Royal Thai Police, and instead set up a new council for police affairs.

Voicing concern at the excessive authority of the central police department, they have suggested a sharing of power with local administrations.

The chairman of this panel, Seree Suwanphanont, earlier said one of the areas being discussed in the legal area is to prevent cases before they happen, and for the justice system to focus more on how citizens would benefit from it.

Also, the committee wants to consider strengthening public participation in the legal process, something most citizens avoid, as they feel victimised by legal issues that they have no knowledge of. A panel on the legal and justice system has been proposed.

Regarding legal reform, the panel recommended forming a committee to scrutinise the national law and propose legal articles to Parliament.

In addition, the Election Commission and National Anti-Corruption Commission should have five-year tenures, and they must continue until the new commission members are ready to take over.