COALITION AGREES TO AMEND SIX POINTS

       The coalition partners of Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva's government yesterday endorsed a bid to amend six key points of the 2007 Constitution.
       Newin Chidchob, who attended a high-powered meeting with the premier at Baan Phitsanulok on behalf of the Bhum Jai Thai Party, said there would be a separate draft for each of the key points for consideration by Parliament.
       Abhisit declined to talk to reporters after the evening meeting, but there was reportedly a deal with other coalition party leaders.
       The Abhisit government comprises six parties - the premier's Democrat Party, Newin's Bhum Jai Thai Party, Banharn Silapa-archa's Chart Thai Pattana Party, Suwat Liptapanlop's Ruam Jai Thai Party, Pinij Jarusombat's Puea Pandin Party and Suwit Khunkitti's Social Action Party.
       All these coalition leaders were present at yesterday's meeting, even though they have been banned from politics for a five-year period.
       One of the six key issues is to amend Article 237, which prescribes punishment by party dissolution in case of election fraud.
       Another key issue is to regroup constituencies for the so-called one-man, one-vote system.
       Newin, who has been a powerful behind-the-scenes figure in the coalition, said the Abhisit government could last until next June if the charter amendment goes smoothly.
       Abhisit said during his weekly address that a referendum would be conducted for the people to vote on each of the six issues slated for rewriting.
       Parliament is going to take charge of the drafting of the six amendments while the government will assist in organising the referendum, he said.
       Before the casting of the referendum votes, the whips are expected to launch an awareness campaign to clearly explain the pros and cons of each issue to voters, he said.
       He reminded critics not to be overly concerned about partisan interests related to the charter amendments, saying voters would not approve any self-serving amendments.
       The charter amendments, if passed by Parliament and approved in the referendum, will likely lessen the polarisation, he said, noting much of the existing animosity among politicians stemmed from differing views on charter provisions. The people will be the final judge to render the verdict on all or parts of the amendments, he said.
       For example, the proposed amendment of Article 237 should be decided by a referendum and not by politicians, he said. All views on the provision will be aired and the government will respect the conclusion formed by the people, he said.
       Even though in his personal opinion, he thinks the punishment for election fraud should be aimed at party executives and not the party, he would respect the referendum outcome.
       He dismissed speculation about his coalition trying to cling to power by stretching the drafting and referendum proceedings.
       The rough estimate of nine months to complete the charter amendment was based on prescribed steps under the law, he said.