After the law came into effect, the media could try |complaining about it before the Constitutional Court, he said, adding that if the law were then found to be in contradiction |with the charter, it could be |invalidated.

The veteran drafter also said that the stipulations contained in any piece of legislation must be in accordance with the Kingdom’s supreme law.

Meechai added that in the current Constitution laws |must be forwarded to the Constitutional Court to ensure they are compatible with the charter after deliberations in |the legislative chamber.

“Before seeking Royal endorsement, there is a five-day period for the Lower and Upper Houses to consult the Constitutional Court to see whether or not the law is |properly in line with the charter,” he explained.

His remarks came after the controversial media regulatory bill was endorsed by the National Reform Steering Assembly (NRSA) on May 1.

The legislation is subject to further action by the government, including possible legal enactment.

However, the draft law has met fierce opposition from the media as it contains a proposal that at least two top-level |government officials sit on a |proposed media professional council, as well as a requirement for a new accreditation and |certification system for members of the media.

Deputy Prime Minister Wissanu Krea-ngam, meanwhile, said he planned to meet media representatives to hear their views on the controversial media regulation bill, but he declined to confirm that the government would include their recommendations, saying it was up to the Cabinet to consider.

Wissanu said he would meet media representatives after the National Reform Steering Assembly forwards the bill to the National Legislative Assembly, which was expected to happen this week.