The proposed make-up of a 120-member national reform assembly to oversee reform proposals will likely be revised due to mounting criticisms that it could be used as a vehicle to allow the coup-makers to hold on to power.
Among the critics are members of the National Reform Council (NRC), which on Sunday concluded its seven-day debate on the draft charter. Several NRC members are opposed to the composition of the reform assembly.
Based on the draft charter, two core bodies will be established to carry out national reforms: the National Reform Steering Assembly and the National Reform Strategic Committee.
The reform assembly would consist of 120 members: 60 from the NRC, 30 from the National Legislative Assembly (NLA) and the remaining 30 experts on reform. The strategic committee would be composed of no more than 15 members.
All NLA and NRC members were handpicked by the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO).
Wanchai Sornsiri, spokesman of the NRC whips, said Sunday several NRC members disagree with the proposed make-up of the reform assembly as it is heavily loaded with NRC and NLA members. They recommend the CDC make changes to the composition of the reform assembly and cut the number of NRC and NLA members.
"The core principle is to make sure the reform process continues. But as the NRC members are skeptical about the composition, we'll take that into consideration," Mr Wanchai said, adding that putting reforms into the constitution is key to making sure they are implemented.
"We have to include reforms in the charter otherwise they will not come to fruition or can be disrupted," he said.
Seree Suwanpanont, chairman of the NRC's committee on justice reforms, floated a new proposal that the terms of the NRC and the CDC be extended so they can finish the job. This would enable lawmakers to dispense with the national reform assembly and the strategic committee altogether.
Mr Seree said setting up the new bodies would take time and could disrupt the work process. The NRC and the CDC should be extended to complete the reforms and set up organic laws.
Under the draft charter, the NRC and the CDC will cease to exist after parliament convenes its first meeting.
"This way, we can prevent criticism that we set up a new body just to prolong power," he said.
CDC spokesman Gen Lertrat Ratanavanich stressed the need for a reform body to carry out reform proposals as he addressed the NRC. However, when he said the CDC would consider making changes to the reform body's composition, the remark drew wide criticism.
Mr Wanchai said the draft charter was not written to block any groups of politicians or serve any particular parties.
It is designed to increase public scrutiny of politicians and contain measures to fight against corruption, he said. "In the past people cast their ballots and handed over their power to politicians. But this constitution will not let that happen."
"The people will keep tabs on politicians," he said, adding it is normal for politicians to feel apprehensive about such a charter.
"But good politicians need not worry. This charter will protect those who work for the people," Mr Wanchai said. He said charter critics who brand the draft charter as "undemocratic'' and claim it prevents politicians from doing their jobs do have something to fear because it will keep power in check.
Mr Wanchai said the NRC's committees will meet today to discuss the proposed amendments that have been made to the CDC. The NRC whips will meet on Wednesday to make sure the proposals submitted to the CDC will not contradict each other.
