New charter should contain rules for coup-makers
Since our sage leaders are currently rewriting the Constitution (for the 16th time?), allow me to suggest a few ideas.
For starters, incorporate a provision stating that, in case of a coup, there must be a general election within a year. Military men putting themselves in power is one thing, but hanging onto that power for an indefinite time is an added dimension of undemocratic rule.
Second, include a provision preventing the scrapping of the existing constitution each time we have a coup. It seems the rulebook for coup-makers dictates that, “As soon as you take over, you must suspend the Constitution.”
With or without elections, Thailand has had a tough time getting decent leaders. Abhisit Vejjajiva was decent, but that’s probably why he was dumped. A country gets the leadership it deserves.
Kip Keino
