Constitution drafters have put forward a proposal that a national committee be set up to oversee implementation of national reforms after the new constitution is promulgated.
The suggestion, proposed by a subcommittee of the Constitution Drafting Committee (CDC), is aimed at ensuring continuity of the reform process after a new government comes to power following the next election.
Under the proposals, those responsible for implementing reforms would be obliged to complete them within a specified time frame of between one and nine years.
The subcommittee has suggested that failure to complete reforms on schedule would constitute dereliction of duty — a criminal offence.
The CDC will today begin considering charter provisions on reform and reconciliation put forward by the subcommittee chaired by Chuchai Supawong. The session to consider the proposed charter provisions will last until Feb 20.
Constitutional provisions relating to reform and reconciliation are unprecedented. There were no such provisions in previous charters.
Provisions relating to reforms are based on suggestions from committees under the National Reform Council, Mr Chuchai said.
The subcommittee has also suggested that under the new charter, the Senate should be authorised to propose legislation on national reform.
The CDC subcommittee has not yet decided on the structure of the committee to oversee implementation of reforms, Mr Chuchai said.
This committee would be allocated a fund to support research on reform issues, hold public forums to spread the findings and encourage the public to participate in the reform process, he said.
Mr Chuchai, who is also CDC deputy chairman, said he wanted a public referendum to be held on the new constitution.
"This way, the public will feel that they own the constitution and will want the reform process to continue," he said.
"Don't worry that the new constitution will not be endorsed. The CDC is trying to make sure the public are happy with the new charter," Mr Chuchai said.
Meanwhile, Chawalit Witchayasuth, Pheu Thai's acting deputy secretary-general, said Thursday the party will send its representatives to a seminar on the new principles of politics, politicians and institutions at parliament hosted by the CDC on Monday.
Mr Chawalit warned that the rule of law alone could not solve the political conflict. Principles of political science and religion should be applied, he said, adding that forgiveness and compassion are also key.