Thai junta eyes crisis panel to seize back powers in future

Thailand's junta is seeking sweeping emergency powers to "prevent or suppress" future unrest in a constitution published Saturday, billed by its drafters as a route out of the kingdom's political crisis but condemned by critics as undemocratic. The draft charter faces a vote on September 6 at a junta-appointed reform council, which could then lead to a national referendum on the document.
But opponents say the charter, the latest incarnation in a politically tumultuous nation where constitutions are routinely torn up, is a move to embed the military's political power for good and prevent genuine democracy from taking root. Section 260 allows the military to replace any elected government with an appointed 22-member "crisis" panel at any point during the five years after the charter is enacted if they believe there is a need to do so because of unrest or political deadlock. The panel would be stacked with military top brass and other unelected officials, including the supreme military commander and the heads of the army, navy and air force. If the draft becomes law, the committee can use its sweeping powers at any time "if there is need to preserve the country's independence and integrity", the document said.
Other triggers include "to prevent and suppress incitement of unrest or threats to peace and order and the monarchy or the country's economy." Thailand has been cut in two since billionaire ex-premier Thaksin Shinawatra was ousted in a 2006 coup. Since then the kingdom has seen another coup, three premiers dismissed by the courts and seemingly endless bloody rounds of street protests.
The current junta toppled the civilian government of Yingluck Shinawatra in May last year, banning protests and cracking down on basic rights. The military insist the charter will bring together Thailand's opposing political forces, allow new elections and detoxify the country of corrupt politicians. But analysts say it is more likely to lead to deeper divisions and undercut the country's democratic growth.
"The establishment of the super committee will warp or stunt any efforts of Thais to consolidate their democracy," said Paul Chambers, director of research at the Institute of South East Asian Affairs in Thailand. "Elected governments will become superficial comic circuses as Thailand establishes a truly guided democracy," he said, adding the current junta leaders would likely sit on the panel.