Charter writers will not change the key principles of the constitution draft, including the German-style mixed-member proportional (MMP) election system and the possibility of a non-MP prime minister.
The National Reform Council (NRC) has been debating the draft since Monday. Among the much criticised sections are those involving the new MMP election system, which some NRC members view would result in a weak government that cannot push policies and govern effectively.
Another controversial issue is the sources of senators. Some NRC members are afraid a mix of appointed and elected members could rekindle political conflicts and subsequently a coup.
Under Section 121, the senate comprises not more than 200 members. Voters in each of the 77 provinces elect one from a list of up to 10 knowledgeable and ethical candidates screened by a provincial screening committee.
Ten each are former permanent secretaries and defence permanent secretaries or commanders-in-chief elected by their peers. Up to 15 are from professional groups elected among themselves. Not more than 30 are representatives of the agriculture, labour, academic, community and local organisations elected among themselves.
Another 58 are selected from qualified persons with morals in several fields.
However, unlike the previous charters, the draft does not say who sit on these screening or nomination committees, saying only the detail will be in an organic law.
Lertrat Rattanavanich, an adviser and spokesman of the Constitution Drafting Committee (CDC), said after the session on Wednesday the debate on these issues was not based on reasons and was therefore unfair.
"We will not amend the principles, especially the MMP election method. We spent six months considering it thoroughly. The sources of the senate will also not be amended either but the proportion of each group might be revised a bit," he said, referring to the number of retired government officials and military officers in the upper house.
"In any case, the charter can be amended in the future if the situation warrants it," said Gen Lertrat.
But critics say future amendments are unlikely to be easy. Section 302 provides the constitution can be amended by two thirds of all existing votes in both houses. It also has to be endorsed by the Constitutional Court and requires a national referendum.
"If there are many requests for amendment to the provincial screening committees, we may change it," he said.
On a non-MP prime minister, the writers will revise the draft to the effect that a non-MP PM must have the support of more than half the votes within 15 days from the date his name is proposed. If he fails to get them, an MP PM must be proposed instead.
"A non-MP PM can be proposed only when there is a crisis and he must get two thirds of the votes.
"Also, the 60-member quota for the NRC in the Reform Steering Council may be adjusted to make it look better as some are concerned it can be viewed as an effort to perpetuate power," the general said.
On the issue of political groups, which will be allowed to send MP candidates like political parties, Gen Lertrat assured they would have to follow the same rules as parties so the chance of groups like the United Front for Democracy Against Dictatorship or the People's Democratic Reform Committee fielding candidates was slim.
