The Constitution Drafting Committee (CDC) has announced rules for local and foreign media who want to observe the writing process.
CDC vice-chairman Manich Suksomchitra said there are four initial rules for media representatives to comply with while covering the CDC's work during this process.
Borwornsak: Press can observe CDC meetings
The CDC plans to start working on the charter, section by section, on Jan 12. Currently a sub-committee chaired by Kanchanarat Leeviroj is working on a draft which will be ready on Monday.
The rules are: both Thai and foreign media can observe CDC proceedings but they must not interrupt them; they could be asked to leave if the CDC feels its discussions are sensitive; they will be allowed to take pictures and video clips for news reporting before the CDC starts its work each day; they are not allowed to take photos, make live broadcasts, or conduct any audio streaming of CDC discussions.
The CDC chairman, Borwornsak Uwanno, will discuss in detail the rationale behind the rules on reporting when he meets the media next week, Mr Manich said.
Mr Borwornsak plans to invite members of the media including columnists, television and radio station hosts to the meeting, he said.
The CDC chairman is expected to listen to media opinions about the charter writing after the committee has finalised a number of proposals for the charter framework, he added.
Mr Manich, also a member of the CDC's working panel on public relations, said a draft PR plan to promote better understanding of the charter is expected to be ready next week.