National Reform Council (NRC) member Thienchay Kiranandana, who is a leading candidate for NRC chairman, said he supports public hearings for a new charter bill.
Former Chulalongkorn University rector Thianchai Kiranan, who is widely tipped to be the chairman of the National Reform Council, arrives at parliament. Chanat Katanyu
That could even extend to a public referendum before the charter is adopted, he said yesterday.
The NRC is required to nominate 20 people — out of 36 in total — to form the Constitution Drafting Commission (CDC) within 15 days of the council's first meeting on Oct 21.
In addition to the NRC, the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO), the cabinet and the National Legislative Assembly (NLA) will also nominate candidates to the (CDC).
"Listening to the people's voice is important," said Mr Thienchay, when asked whether he agrees with the idea of a referendum on the charter draft.
A referendum is only one method in the drafting process, and the methods used will depend on the situation, he said.
Mr Thienchay, a former Chulalongkorn University rector, said he believes public hearings must be held because they are a normal step used to solve crucial or controversial issues.
The hearings can be held together with other forms of public participation, Mr Thienchay added.
He said national reform in the 11 required areas has two stages — ideas and actions.
He believes the council should come up with the ideas and framework for all 11 fields.
"We're not going to start from zero," he said, referring to preparations that have been made for reform.
A working panel under the NCPO, the King Prajadhipok's Institute, and universities have studied national reform, so their suggestions will be useful to the NRC, Mr Thienchay said.
People were also asked to air their views on certain categories of reform and this can be also taken into consideration.
As for Mr Thienchay, he intends to work on ethics, good governance and anti-corruption issues.
Other fields in national reform include politics, justice, economy and energy.
Reporters also asked how Mr Thienchay would feel if he is chosen to be the council chairman.
"I would feel worried because I've never done this job before," he said, adding he hopes his experience will help him handle the NRC job.
There are many things which the NRC must do in its timeframe of one year, Mr Thienchay admitted.
But the council will do its best to design a new system for the nation, he said.
Mr Thienchay believes the NRC will be the first to announce its list of drafters.