THE PROPOSED annual membership fee for political party membership and the limited time to adjust to the new rules were the two main points of concern put before constitution drafters yesterday.

About 150 politicians who attended an opinion gathering forum at the Cooperative League of Thailand’s head office, mostly agreed that the new membership fee rule would be an unnecessary burden for party members and make it more difficult for parties to recruit people. Politics should be about ideology and money should not be the main focus, they said.

The Constitution Drafting Commission (CDC) was urged to reconsider the stipulations on the annual Bt100 membership fee as well as the financial contribution as seed money when founding a new party.

The lack of time allowed by the draft law for existing parties to adjust to the new changes was also a concern. The new law calls for parties to finish collecting membership fees within 150 days, and politicians were worried that this could not be done within the given time.

Some participants said the proposed severe punishment imposed for trading political positions, calling for life imprisonment and capital sentences, was too severe.

Participants also called for the National Council for Peace and Order to lift the political assembly ban as the election approached.

Election delay mentioned

The drafters pledged to heed all opinions. But spokesman Udom Rathamarit said allowing extra time for adjustment to the new law was difficult because the CDC had to consider the election date, which was set for early 2018. If parties need extra time to adapt to the new rules the election might be delayed, he said.

Chief constitution drafter Meechai Ruchupan asked politicians to understand the drafters position in writing the organic laws, as they are subject to following the constitution endorsed by a national vote.

The constitution, passed in a referendum in August, has at least two stipulations that the organic law on political parties must include, for example, principles of transparency and participation as well as severe punishment to bar corrupt politicians from politics.

Meechai said yesterday the opinion-gathering session was not just a ritual and the CDC tried to include the politicians’ suggestions into the law if possible.

The CDC stressed the law was not a final version. It would also be deliberated by the National Legislative Assembly (NLA) before promulgation.

About 150 politicians took part in yesterday’s forum. According to a source in CDC, Pheu Thai Party did not accept the invitation by the CDC.

No major political figures from major parties voiced opinions in yesterday’s session.

Key points of concern

• Annual Bt100 membership fee and founding contribution would discourage individuals from entering politics.
• The time provided for adjustment to the new rules is too limited. The time frame includes establishing regional branches within 180 days and having members pay a membership fee within 150 days
• Life sentences or death penalty imposed for political-post buying is too severe.