The National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) on Monday unanimously approved the appointment of Meechai Ruchupan, a legal expert and veteran in constitution writing, chairman of the new 21-member Constitution Drafting Committee, Deputy Prime Minister Wissanu Krea-ngam said.
The resolution passed at today's meeting of the NCPO, chaired by the prime minister, Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha.
Gen Prayut, as NCPO chief, was given 30 days to pick 21 new charter writers after the first draft was rejected on Sept 6 by the National Reform Council (NRC), which was then dissolved.
Also present at the meeting were Gen Prawit Wongsuwon, Gen Tanasak Patimapagorn, Adm Narong Pipattanasai, ACM Prajin Juntong, Pol Gen Adul Saengsingkaew, Gen Udomdej Sitabutr, Gen Preecha Chan-o-cha, Gen Sommai Kaodeera, Adm Na Areenij, ACM Treetos Somchaeng, Pol Gen Chakthip Chaichinda, Mr Meechai, and Gen Theerachai Nakwanich, the NCPO secretary-general.
Justice Minister Paiboon Koomchaya, an NCPO member, did not attend the meeting as he was engaged at another official function.
Mr Wissanu, who also attended the meeting, said Mr Meechai accepted the position, ending speculation that he might decline the post.
After the meeting, Mr Meechai said he agreed to take the post because if he rejected the offer he could be seen as not being grateful to the country.
"I agreed to the request because the prime minister has sacrificed to solve the country's problems. I am not in a position to decline it," he said.
Mr Meechai, a noted jurist who has participated in the draftingof several past constitutions, said he knew that the task would not be easy and he expected many difficulties because he would have to also listen to people's opinions.
He said he has set a five-point rule in drafting the new constitution.
First of all, the constitution must comply with international norms and be suited to Thai social conditions, Thai ways of life and Thai traditions.
The charter must contain mechanisms for reconciliation; must have measures to prevent exploitation of state funding as a "bait" to lure the people; must provide effective measures to prevent and eradicate corruption; and must require the people's participation.
"I am a person of an older generation, but with a modern mind. Being of an old or new generation is not important. What is of importance is open mindedness. Some people claim to be democratic, but then pile abuse on anyone coming up with a different opinion. I am not this kind of person. I am ready to listen to everyone," said Mr Meechai, who is 77 years old.
Other members of the CDC include: Juree Wichitwathakarn, of the National Institute for Development Administration; Chartchai Na Chiang Mai, a former NRC member; Thitiphan Chuaboonchai, a former dean of law faculty of Chulalongkorn University; Tienchai Na Nakorn, of Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University; Norachit Singhaseni, a former permanent secretary for justice; Gen Niwat Sripen, former director-general of the Judge Advocate General's Department and a member of the National Legislative Assembly; Pakorn Nilprapan, member of a committee of the Council of State; Prapan Naigowit, a former member of the Election Commission; Patara Khampitak, a former president of the Thai Journalists Association; Pummarat Thaksadipong, a former director of the National Intelligence Agency; Amorn Wanichwiwat, a former NRC member; Apichart Sukhagghanont, a former EC chairman; Supot Khaimuk, a former Constitutional Court judge; and,Udom Ratha-amarit, a former NRC member.
Mr Meechai said he will call the first meeting of the new CDC on Oct 6, beginning at 1.30pm, at the parliament.
