Former protest leader Suthep Thaugsuban has come out in support of the draft charter and says it is "good enough" to sail through a referendum expected to be held in January.
The chairman of the Muan Maha Prachachon for Reforms Foundation announced his group's position at a press conference Tuesday, ahead of the National Reform Council's (NRC) vote on the charter on Sunday.
Mr Suthep hailed the draft for answering the public's call for reform and praised its clause setting up the so-called "crisis panel", the National Strategic Reform Committee (NSRC).
The former People's Democratic Reform Committee leader said the panel would put an end to political crises and would ensure that national reform and development efforts would not be hampered by political turmoil.
"We are satisfied with the drafters' decision to include a panel to address such a political situation," he added.
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If the draft is voted in and implemented, the NSRC will be empowered to legally seize power in a political crisis. The charter drafters say this would prevent violence and deaths.
Mr Suthep said the panel will also smooth over any political chaos that could result from a crisis.
He said the committee will move reform forward, adding that "continuity is key" for reform to be successful.
He dismissed criticism that the NSRC could seize power at any point it chooses, saying that the charter was carefully worded to prevent this. He referred to the clause stating that at least two thirds of panel members must vote in favour of intervention in a crisis, and that they must consult with the presidents of the Constitutional Court and Supreme Administrative Court before taking control.
Mr Suthep praised the draft charter as being well-suited to Thailand's political situation.
"If we try to fit into Westerners' clothes and don't look so good in them, it's better to find a wardrobe that is tailored to fit our shape," he said.
The former deputy premier however rejected the idea of a national unity government which could be proposed as a question in the January referendum, saying he did not think it was a viable proposal.
Meanwhile, the Democrat Party has slammed the draft charter for being "undemocratic". Most party members, including leader Abhisit Vejjajiva, remain firm on this stance, said Atthawit Suwanphakdee, a former Democrat MP for Bangkok.
"Despite the fact that this draft is undemocratic, especially the part about the NSRC, it will automatically become democratic if it is passed in the referendum," Mr Atthawit said.
However, he conceded that with or without the NSRC, the military would be able to cling on to power if it wished. If the NRC votes to reject the draft, the NCPO will remain in power, and if the draft passes, the NCPO could control the NSRC, he said.
United Front for Democracy Against Dictatorship (UDD) chairman Jatuporn Prompan, meanwhile, called on the public to vote against the draft charter. He said voters should decide on the constitution, not the NRC.
Mr Jatuporn said that as the NCPO had allowed Mr Suthep to express his political opinions publicly, other groups should be able to do the same. The UDD plans to seek this permission from the NCPO, he added.
Former Pheu Thai Party MP for Chiang Rai Samart Kaewmeechai said the inclusion of the NSRC in the draft charter was an attempt to seize power in advance of the next general election. He warned that there would be a storm of conflict if the NRC voted to accept the draft.