Representatives of Bhumjaithai (BJT) and Chartthaipattana (CTP) parties had talks at parliament with the Constitution Drafting Committee (CDC) on Tuesday, giving their opinions and suggestions on what should be written into the new charter.
Representing BJT at the discussion were party secretary-general Saksayam Chidchob, advisory chairman Sora-ath Klinprathum, party spokesman Supachai Jaisamut and deputy party leader Songsak Thongsri.
CTP was represented by party leader Theera Wongsamut and party leader's advisers Somsak Prisnananthakul and Nikorn Chamnong.
Bowornsak Uwanno, the CDC chairman, presided over the meeting which was also attended by Gen Lertrat Rattanavanich, the CDC spokesman, and National Reform Council members Alongkorn Polaboot and Chai Chidchob.
After the meeting, Mr Somsak said the CTP suggested issues it felt should be tackled to bring about reform, and proposed that the people's participation be emphasised in the charter drafting process.
He said the 2007 constitution was issued without the people's participation and many problems followed its promulgation.
CTP did not send representatives for selection to the National Reform Commission (NRC) because it was aware the public had an unfavourable attitude toward politicians, he said.
Mr Somsak said the issue of a referendum could be decided at the later part of the charter writing process. What was more important was public hearings to take opinions from the people. Since a public hearing, a form of political gathering, is prohibited under martial law, he suggested that this restriction be relaxed.
BJT spokesman Supachai said his party suggested that independent agencies needed restructuring because in the past they appeared biased against a certain party in a dispute.
His party also wanted the law on political parties to be re-written to make them stronger. Past constitutions made it too easy for a political party to be dissolved, Mr Supachai said.
Asked about a charter referendum, Mr Supachai said this might not be necessary if after the completion of the draft constitution all involved agreed with it.
Sources said the Pheu Thai Party, which said earlier it would send representatives to talk with the CDC on Nov 17, had asked for a deferment to early December.
The Democrat Party, initially scheduled to meet the CDC on Nov 18, had postponed the meeting to Nov 24.
As for other parties, the Chart Pattana and Palangchon parties were to meet with the CDC on Nov 19, Matubhum and Rak Thailand parties on Nov 20, and the People's Democratic Reform Commitee (PDRC) on Nov 25.
The People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) was also invited, but it rejected the invitation as it has been dissolved.
The United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) has not decided on the matter.