Proposals on the decentralisation of power to local organisations have triggered a fierce debate at forums hosted by the Constitution Drafting Committee (CDC) in the Northeast to collect opinions about its draft charter.
Section 82 (3) and Section 285 (1) are among the most widely debated topics at the CDC's hearings in Ubon Ratchathani, Khon Kaen and Udon Thani provinces in the Northeast, because grassroot leaders believe they will lead to their posts being abolished.
The government is required by Section 82 (3) to develop any available province to be a local government organisation if that suits the local people.
Section 285 (1) calls for setting out legislation necessary to set up local administrative organisations in provincial areas within one year of the constitution coming into effect. Among the most vocal are tambon chiefs and village heads who are afraid of losing their jobs and the civic sector, which is concerned these provisions will only give local politicians a bigger stage to play on.
Tambon chiefs and village heads have also submitted a petition to the CDC seeking assurances the positions will not be dissolved.
The move has drawn boos and jeers from the other participants.
Meanwhile, the civil sector has called for "self-managed provinces" which emphasise the role of local communities and civil groups in local development.
The civil sector believes politicians are the ones who stand to gain from local administration reforms.
CDC members, led by Pracha Taerat, Gen Lertrat Ratanavanich and Kamnoon Sidhisamarn, have assured the CDC does not seek to put tambon chiefs and village heads out of work.
Gen Lertrat said the kamnans and village chiefs have been key elements in local development.
Kamnan and phuyaiban, known as grassroots-level administrators, are part of a regional administrative structure which has been in place since 1933.
"We have said it before that what you are hearing isn't actually what we intend to do. Section 82 is simply intended to develop a local organisation, like any a private firm that is ready to grow and develop.
"Section 284 is nothing more than a group of provinces coming together as a cluster. We will supervise it and give it funds," he said.
"This is nothing to do with the dissolution of regional administration."
Mr Pracha, a former senior interior official, said the positions of tambon chief and village head cannot be simply dissolved without asking the public.
Meanwhile, Provincial Administration Department chief Grisada Boonrach has allayed concerns about the possible dissolution of kamnan and village headmen positions.
He said this "institution" will not be dissolved by any charter as long as kamnan and village headmen continue to do their jobs properly.
Mr Grisada also called on kamnans and village heads to lead by example by refraining from vote-buying at their elections.