Drafters urged to preserve key bodies

Kanit na Nakorn, president of the Law Reform Commission (LRCT), criticised the merging of the Ombudsman and the NHRC, saying the spirit and the tasks varied between each body.
The LRCT called for the Constitution Drafting Committee (CDC) and the National Reform Council (NRC) to preserve all independent bodies existing under the 2007 Constitution.
The commission highlighted ways to improve the capacity of these bodies. For instance, the expansion of a timeframe for the announcement of election results from 30 to 60 days, giving the EC time to screen a candidate’s eligibility.
The law commission also proposed the Ombudsman be equipped with a better investigation and fact-finding system.
Recommendations for the NACC were an increase in its accountability and the ability, if necessary, to directly take a case to the Supreme Court’s Criminal Division for people holding political positions. The LRCT said the Office of Auditor General should be able to file a case before the Public Prosecutor Commission.
As for the NHRC — it should improve its public outreach and, along with other states’ agencies, should carefully listen to the advice of the commission, the LRCT said.
All of these suggestions were submitted to the prime minister, the CDC and the NRC, earlier this week.
The international community is generally keeping a close eye on the progress and outcome of the new Constitution, said Somchai Homlaor, a member of the LRCT.
LRCT secretary-general Laddawan Tantivitayapitak added that the reform process should lead to justice and the reduction of disparities in society.