Thailand constitution: Military's council rejects draft
- 9 years ago
A council appointed by Thailand's military rulers has rejected a controversial new constitution drafted after last year's coup.
A new committee must now be appointed to write another draft, further setting back elections.
The draft has been widely criticised, in particular a clause which enables a 23-member panel to take over government during a "national crisis".
The army ousted the elected government last year after months of unrest.
The 247-member National Reform Council on Sunday rejected the draft charter by 135 votes to 105, with seven abstentions.
Preliminary conversations with members of the council suggest a number of factors.
Some say they wanted to give the new economic team appointed last month by Prime Minister Prayuth more time to improve the ailing economy.
A new committee must now be appointed to write another draft, further setting back elections.
The draft has been widely criticised, in particular a clause which enables a 23-member panel to take over government during a "national crisis".
The army ousted the elected government last year after months of unrest.
The 247-member National Reform Council on Sunday rejected the draft charter by 135 votes to 105, with seven abstentions.
Preliminary conversations with members of the council suggest a number of factors.
Some say they wanted to give the new economic team appointed last month by Prime Minister Prayuth more time to improve the ailing economy.