Three coalition parties have joined hands to push forward the constitution amendments without waiting for support from the ruling Democrat Party.
Banharn Silpa-archa, chief adviser of Chart Thai Pattana Party, said his party and other coalition partners, Bhumjaithai and Puea Pandin, will file a motion in parliament to amend two sections of the 2007 constitution, once they've garnered enough support for the motion. He denies their stance threatens coalition unity.
Mr Banharn made the announcement yesterday when leaders of Puea Pandin called on him to present their New Year's greeting at his residence on Charan Sanitwong Road.
The filing of the motion needs the support of at least one-fifth of parliament members.
From left, Mr Banharn and Puea Pandin Party figures Pairote Suwanchawee and Phinij Jarusombat
Puea Pandin Party leader Charnchai Chairungruang said the three parties have enough support in the Lower House to introduce the motion.
They said they will be ready to file the amendment once parliament reconvenes on Jan 21.
According to Mr Banharn, the three coalition partners will wait to see where other parties stand on the proposed amendment after the motion is put on parliament's agenda.
The ruling Democrats are seen to be reluctant to make changes to the charter, a stance that could strain its alliance with coalition partners.
The three coalition parties are proposing changes to Section 190 of the 2007 charter, which requires the government to seek approval from parliament before committing to any international agreement.
The three parties also want the constituencies to be smaller, while pressing the election method to be changed from multiple representatives to a single representative system.
However, key members of the ruling Democrats have earlier said they want the election method to remain as it is.
Mr Banharn downplayed fears of internal rifts within coalition ranks.
He said the amendment issue would have no impact on the government's administrative efficiency.
He brushed aside speculation that the smaller parties may withdraw support if they do not get their way with the amendment.
"The government would remain intact.
"I want this government to be in power as long as possible since Mr Abhisit is a prime minister with several talents," said Mr Banharn.
Meanwhile, Mr Abhisit said yesterday the Democrats are ready to support the amendment of Section 190.
As far as changes in how MPs are elected, the issue will be discussed during the Democrats' seminar in Krabi province next week or during a party meeting before the opening of the next parliament session, Mr Abhisit said.
Mr Abhisit added that he has already asked Democrat MPs to think about the proposed changes before voicing their opinions at the party meeting.
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