FRIDAY, March 29, 2024
nationthailand

Opposition to charter a result of misperceptions

Opposition to charter a result of misperceptions

Re: “Thais should ask themselves: ‘Is this what we are as a nation?’”, Opinion, July 29.

I really liked Khun Pornpimol Kanchanalak’s article. I am quite confident the draft charter will be approved because rogue politicians have taken the people for granted for so long and it is high time they were taught a lesson. Many people are unfortunately blind to what the current government has done for them during the past two years. Corruption cases are popping up regularly now and some are headed for court.
These dishonest politicians knew they would lose in the next election, so they came out in full force to oppose the draft charter even before it was completed. They won’t admit corruption was rampant and we were on the brink of civil war.
Experienced persons in various fields drafted the charter, taking into consideration the problems confronting us during the past 15 years. They have made the document difficult to be amended by any future self-serving politicians. The draft contains a 20-year strategic plan. To protect it from abuse, it is desirable that the NCPO supervise elected governments during the five-year transition period. To be certain the elected politicians do not elect the wrong person as prime minister, 250 NCPO-appointed senators will participate in the selection during the first four years. In the fifth and final year, the NCPO will ensure that the general election and the selection of prime minister function correctly, as well as the election of senators.
The draft’s critics comprise 117 politicians, academics, activists and NGOs. Like any structure, no constitution can be 100 per cent perfect. But as long as it is carefully planned, fair and functional, it is acceptable. And when the constitution is put into force, any defects can be easily corrected. 
It is not true that the draft ignores Thailand’s problems and challenges. It was written specifically to address the problems as well as to lay the groundwork for the coming 20 years. People’s rights will not be curbed. In fact people will have more say in how the country is run and better access to government information. They will even be able to sue the government if it isn’t working properly or they feel their rights have been revoked. 
The draft entails 14 years of free schooling, from kindergarten through high school, and special privileges for teachers. The healthcare scheme will extend to the elderly and disabled. Savings and provident funds will be facilitated, and people will have full freedom of expression as long as they do not infringe on other people’s rights.
Any assets gained through corruption will be confiscated and the offenders liable to prison terms. If they die the assets can be taken from their inheritors. Politicians caught buying votes will be barred from politics for life. Laws related to politicians will have no statutory limits. Nor will politicians be allowed to travel first class at the taxpayer’s expense. Despite a few flaws, if properly implemented and strictly observed, this charter has the potential to put our country back on track.
Dusit Thammaraks
nationthailand