Pheu Thai proposes having media representatives join the commission to hear public opinions. Nattawut says the qualifications are already broadly defined and trusts that parliament members can select appropriate candidates.
At 8:30 p.m. on 10 Dec 2025 GMT+7, the joint parliamentary session began considering Section 256/6 concerning the removal of constitutional drafting commission members. Senator Ratchanikorn Thongthip, a minority commissioner, expressed disagreement with replacing members who resign, stating that if a constitutional drafting commissioner resigns, the position should be terminated without replacement to avoid wasting the country's time.
Nattawut Buapathum, chairman of the commission, explained that drafting commissioners are important figures. Even if one or two members are missing, it is proper for parliament to select replacements from the existing list to preserve the dignity of the constitutional drafting process.
Ultimately, the majority of the assembly agreed with the majority commissioners, with a vote of 468 in favor, 2 against, 9 abstentions, and 10 not voting, allowing the joint parliamentary session to select individuals from the existing list to fill vacant positions.
Senators express concern over requiring 100 endorsers.
Regarding Section 256/7, which concerns applying for selection as commissioners to hear public opinions and promote public participation in drafting the constitution, Senator Ratchanikorn Thongthip and minority commissioners requested the entire section be removed. They questioned whether if all 100 endorsers for each applicant were the same people, would all applicants qualify, expressing concern over potential manipulation.
Pheu Thai proposes media representatives as commissioners.
Similarly, Khattiya Sawatdipol, a minority commissioner from Pheu Thai, proposed changing the requirement for applicants to have 100 endorsers. She viewed this as a barrier limiting citizen participation, restricting it to certain political groups. She suggested that 10 endorsers come from media representatives because this commission must listen to public opinions and public issues, formulate appropriate questions, communicate complex information clearly to the public, and reach all groups. She believes this would enhance the quality of public consultations.
Ekporn Rakkhamsuk, a minority commissioner from Pheu Thai, agreed with Khattiya that media representatives should be included as commissioners. He emphasized the need for clear communication and experts to assist in hearing public opinions.
Confidence in parliament members.
Nattawut Buapathum, commission chairman, clarified that this section pertains only to the origin of members, and which formula to use will be discussed in Section 256/9. He acknowledged that the proposal to include media professionals as representatives is good, but currently, qualifications are broadly open for parliamentary selection. He is confident suitable candidates will be chosen.
The assembly then approved the amendment proposed by the majority commissioners with a vote of 253 in favor, 94 against, 136 abstentions, and 4 not voting.
Challenges to qualifications of commissioners for hearing opinions.
The session proceeded to consider Section 256/8 regarding the qualifications required to apply for selection. The majority commissioners amended it to require applicants to be at least 18 years old and hold Thai nationality by birth. Dr. Chalnan Srikaew, a minority commissioner from Pheu Thai, proposed adding that applicants must be registered residents in Thailand. Similarly, Witya Kaewparadee, a MP from Ruam Thai Sang Chart Party, questioned why the qualifications for this commission are minimal compared to the constitutional drafting commission, despite both commissions having equal status.
Nattawut Buapathum explained that this commission is not involved in drafting the constitution, so the qualifications are set more openly. Restrictions will be detailed in subsequent sections.
Finally, the assembly approved the amendment proposed by the majority commissioners with a vote of 389 in favor, 94 against, 12 abstentions, and 2 not voting.