Proposed by the NRSA’s political reform committee, chaired by Seri Suwanpanont, the move includes two major points aimed at creating a stable, sustainable and democratic political system for a government that practices good governance.

One part calls for a major review of the Constitution after it has been in use for 10 years, to ensure that government moves fit national circumstances. During the first ten years, it could be amended following normal parliamentary procedures, but when it reaches 10 years, the review must be held regardless of any emerging challenges.

The proposal says any move to amend the charter should be done by a committee composed of members from both the Lower and Upper Houses.

Another part suggests having a ‘political virtue system’ via the reinforcement of a political culture in democratic law. The Act and the system, according to the plan, is seen as a way to help improve the morale of politicians, as well as voters.

Sompong Srakawee, chairman of the panel vetting the reform plan, said such proposals must be put in the 20-year national strategy because people were still worried and believed that politicians and their parties were immoral and corrupt.

Sompong implied that the reform plans could resolve concerns such as those aired recently by Prime Minister Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha in the questions he asked Thai people to consider last week, which could resurface after an election.

He said stable politics was vital to the 20-year national strategy, which aims to ensure national security.

With regard to revision of the charter after 10 years, he said that would show that the new Constitution could be revised.

Review of charter ‘an option’

Should were issues that arise before that period, people should wait for a decade so the opinions of the public and politicians can be heeded.

Seri said any revision of the charter was optional. The approach was designed to open options for reviewing the charter when necessary and that did not mean it must always be revisited.

He said the results of political reform of the national strategy would be seen in 20 years after five governments.

Seri said there should be a social contract binding both the state and the people to maintain the three pillars: the nation, the monarchy, and religion.

The reform proposal could be an answer to Prayut’s recent questions, he said.

NRSA members welcomed the plan and passed it with 158 votes for, two against and eight abstentions. They said revision of the Constitution could be prescribed in the national strategy, although the Constitution Drafting Commission (CDC) had laid out mechanisms to make amendments difficult.

After passing the NRSA, the proposal would go to Cabinet, the super-committee overseeing reform, reconciliation, and national strategy, and the National Legislative Assembly.