Norachit sees his role as 'voice to the world'

With his diplomatic credentials and qualifications including permanent representative of Thailand to the United Nations, Norachit is now assuming the role of the CDC’s spokesman. He is expected to help communicate with the international community during the transition. He talked to The Nation’s Kasamakorn Chanwanpen about his new role on the panel.

 

WHAT WERE YOUR FIRST THOUGHTS WHEN YOU LEARNED YOU WERE SELECTED TO BE ONE OF THE 21 MEMBERS OF THE CHARTER DRAFTING PANEL?

To be frank, surprised. I knew that I was one of the five proposed by Foreign Minister Don Pramudwinai to be part of the Reform Steering Council (RSC). The prime minister instructed or asked the Cabinet members for each ministry to present some names. But when I received the call from Deputy Prime Minister Wissanu Krea-ngam on October 2, he told me that I will be asked to join the Constitution Drafting Committee. My first reaction was ‘surprised’. And I told him I had understood I was proposed for the other body, not this one.

Then, I also spoke to Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwan, who said this was the more appropriate body. So, let’s say I agreed. I didn’t accept but I agreed.

 

GIVEN WHAT HAPPENED IN THE PREVIOUS ROUND OF CHARTER DRAFTING AND THAT SOME HAVE SAID PEOPLE WOULD HAVE TO RISK THEIR REPUTATION TO JOIN THE COMMITTEE, DO YOU HAVE ANY CONCERNS ABOUT THAT?

Well, I can’t speak for those from the previous committee. But, I take cues from Khun Meechai Ruchupan (the panel’s chairman). The prime minister said this was necessary and Khun Meechai felt that it was his duty to repay his debt to the country. So, if everyone takes that same idea and applies it, then there’s no reason not to join.

Plus, I have no political ambitions. One clause says if you are part of this committee you will be prohibited from entering or being appointed to any political office for two years. I have no difficulties with that. You can change it to five or 10 years. I have no political ambitions. So, I have no concerns.

 

CONCERNING YOUR PARTICULAR POSITION IN THE PANEL AS THE SPOKESMAN TO COMMUNICATE WITH THE INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY, WHAT ARE THE MAJOR CHALLENGES OF THIS JOB?

There are two points about the international community. One is they want to see a quick return of democracy. The point is the undemocratic change of government, in their view. That is where the road map and the promise of the government come in. 

I think that most of the countries now understand that Thais value democracy, and that the present government has intervened out of necessity – to prevent violence, bloodshed and deadlocks in the country. The road map has been announced. They are happy. They just want to see an early return.

On the constitution itself, it is how soon we can have it and when we can have an elected government.

And two is the guaranteeing of the rights and liberty of the people, that there’ll be no restrictions. But I don’t think there is any idea to restrict these things. 

Three, the setting-up of bodies to oversee the government is very unusual. So, they will be watching to see how that comes about, if at all.

 

SO, DO YOU FIND IT CHALLENGING HAVING TO COMMUNICATE WITH THE WORLD WITH THOSE CONDITIONS AROUND?

Let’s say I am ready and willing. At the moment I have no feedback that they are dissatisfied or do not understand our process. I think they understand. What they want to see is an early outcome. If any foreign correspondents are interested, I’m ready to meet with them.

 

WHAT ARE THE MAJOR THEMES OF THE MESSAGE YOU’RE GOING TO SEND OUT TO THE WORLD?

The central theme is that the road map is being followed. It was delayed because of the call by the public and political parties for a referendum. That was not envisioned. And because the previous draft was rejected, now we are restarting the process. There is a specific timeframe of 180 days. Then it goes directly to the people.

The message is short and hopefully clear.

 

AND AS A VETERAN AMBASSADOR, DO YOU HAVE ANY PLANS TO DO ANYTHING ABOUT THE EMBATTLED ARTICLE 190 THAT MADE IT DIFFICULT FOR MINISTERS TO SIGN NAMES TO IMPORTANT INTERNATIONAL CONTRACTS, NOW THAT YOU ARE A DRAFTER?

I don’t want to be seen as a representative of any particular group. But, yes, there was a concern about Article 190. However, the problem has already been solved. Now, the same clause is under Article 23 of the 2014 provisional charter. The parties feel it is manageable.