Abhisit proposes reduction of state power

Abhisit said that to foster sustainable development and strong democracy for Thailand, the Constitution Drafting Commission should follow democratic principles, which should see state power reduced and the people’s power increased. 

Abhisit’s 10 recommendations are: 

1. That the country be governed under a democratic regime with His Majesty the King as head of state, and under a liberal parliamentary system. 

2. That people’s freedom and rights to democratic participation should be addressed in line with the vision of the 2007 Constitution. The promotion of citizens’ rights under the previous draft charter voted down by the National Reform Council should also be taken into account. 

3. Decentralisation should be addressed in line with provisions in the 2007 Constitution, and it should be realised at a local level. Elections at a local level should also be promoted along with scrutinising mechanisms. 

4. Elections for the House Representatives should reflect people’s intentions and wishes. They should give importance to people’s votes and avoid stirring divisions generated by fierce competition. 

5. Elections should be run cleanly, justly, and be free from vote buying, before, during and after the voting. They should also prevent populist policies which damage the country. 

6. Political parties should be empowered so they are able to keep their politicians in check and can develop into parties that truly represent the people. They should not become the tools of politicians, individuals or capitalists. Their members should also be able to participate in decision-making and management within the parties. 

7. Check-and-balance mechanisms should be put in place to help create equilibrium of power between legislative, executive and judiciary branches so that the rule of law and accountability are upheld. 

8. Effective mechanisms to prevent and suppress corruption should be put in place so that corruption can be eradicated in a timely and effective manner. 

9. Reform agendas which are deemed urgent should be addressed along with principles, approaches and supporting content. A referendum should be held to help ensure that commitments are placed on future governments. 

10. Reconciliation should be addressed and given importance to help create ground rules for peaceful co-existence in society. Action concerning incidents in the past should be dealt with by judicial processes and end in justice. Amnesty should be limited to ordinary demonstrators or those guilty of minor offences.