THE NEW draft constitution is based on Thailand’s problems and bitter experiences, particularly involving corruption, the chief drafter says.

Meechai Ruchupan, chairman of the Constitution Drafting Commis-sion (CDC), said that the new charter took the country’s problems into account.

“The drafters considered problems happening in Thailand and we did not pay much attention to problems taking place overseas,” Meechai said. “Democracies are different from one country to another. Every country needs to create mechanisms that are suitable to what they are or their bitter experiences.

“Constitutions often reflect the bitter past of the countries before their charters were drafted. This constitution also reflects the bitter experiences of Thailand, particularly corruption, which is considered real bitterness for the whole country,” he told Nation TV’s Kom Chad Luek talk show.

However, the chief drafter admitted that the new charter did not cover all problem areas identified by the ruling National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO). He said that in regard to reconciliation, the draft simply set general guidelines to encourage reconciliation, while political conflict still exists.

“I hope this constitution will provide a solution for the country. It is written to cover possible problems in the future although we do not know what will happen,” he said.

Meechai also defended certain provisions in the draft charter that came under heavy criticism.

He attempted to allay concern that a requirement for political parties to disclose names of their prime ministerial candidates would allow the NCPO to inherit its power. He explained that with the nominations unveiled publicly months before the election, voters would be able to choose not to vote for the party that nominated a PM candidate they disliked.

When asked why the draft charter does not require that the prime minister be an elected MP, Meechai said this is to allow the winning party’s PM candidate to become government head although he or she may fail to get elected. “You can’t be too sure your candidates will definitely win,” he added.

In regard to fears that the powerful Constitutional Court may have more power than the government, Meechai said he did not think so, as the court could only rule on issues involving the constitution. He said a provision allowing the court to make rulings on issues not noted in the charter would help the country get out of future deadlocks and prevent political crises.

The chief drafter noted alleged attempts to distort the content of the draft constitution in a bid to have it rejected in the referendum.

“They used half-truths to deceive people. We have to deal with this by telling the truth,” he said.

Meechai said the drafters would revise certain clauses, particularly involving the rights and freedoms of individuals and communities, in response to concerns from civil society. In response to claims that he is serving the military, Meechai said: “I work to serve for the good people. It’s not because it’s fun or it brings me fame. I do it for the country.”

Yesterday, Meechai said the drafters might add a chapter about reforms, as suggested by critics. “There is no problem if we need to,” he said.

He added that the drafters were waiting for input from Cabinet and the National Strategic Reform Assembly about this.