CDA Rejects State Religion
30 June 2007

The Constitution Drafting Assembly (CDA) declined by a vote of 6-9 to recognize Buddhism as a state religion following five hours of debate. The vote, which angered protesting monks and other persons, means that Article 2 of the General Provisions will define Thailand as a democracy with a King as the head of state without mention of Buddhism as the state religion. Article 78 of the charter is reportedly amended to state that the state will patronize and protect Buddhism and other faiths. The CDA also voted to include a constitutional amendment recognizing the equal rights of homosexual and transsexual individuals. Assembly members noted that the latter amendment should not be interpreted as recognition of “homosexual consummation”.

New Foreign Business Act Likely to Go into Effect in October
30 June 2007

According to a 26 June Nation article, the new Foreign Business Act is likely to go into effect in October 2007. Commerce Minister Krik-krai Jirapaet is reportedly working with members of the National Legislative Assembly (NLA) to finalize the legal points of the new amendments. Based on the latest information, the Nation reported the amendments were likely to pass before the end of the current Legislative Assembly’s term in November or December.

PM to Accept Ideas on Security Bill
30 June 2007

Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont stated that he would accept suggestions from the public regarding a draft bill on internal security according to media sources. Surayud’s statement came amidst complaints by activists who state the bill gives too much power to the director of the Internal Security Operations Command (ISOC). The bill is currently being considered by the Council of State before it will be reviewed by the Cabinet.

CDA to Allow Public to Change Charter
29 June 2007

The Constitution Drafting Committee (CDC) will allow the public to initiate amendments to the constitution according to media sources. 50,000 voters will have to second amendment motions in order for the CDC to receive the proposal. CDC members supporting the proposal believe it will allow members of the public to amend the charter rather than revoking it.

Laws on Gender Equality Important for Stopping Spread of AIDS
28 June 2007

According to Media Sources, Minister of Public Health, Mongkol Na Songkhla stated that laws on social issues and gender equality are primary solutions for the AIDS at an a conference in Geneva.  Songkhla reportedly stated that laws which would give legal protections to wives or girlfriends whose partners refused to use condoms during sex. According to a UNAids survey over 60% of female AIDs patients contracted the HIV virus from their husbands.

Cabinet Approves Bill on Civil Servant System
27 June 2007

The Cabinet yesterday passed a bill that according to proponents is a historic reform of the bureaucratic system. The bill divides civil servants into four categories: general officers, technical officers, administrative officers, and management officers and sets a range of salaries for persons in each position depending on their skills. The bill will also require the appointment of an “Ethical System Protection Commission” charged with handling human resource management related complaints. Proponents believe the bill will balance the power of those in administrative positions and allow officials who are not in administrative departments better opportunities for promotion.

Thailand to Sign FTA with India
27 June 2007

Thailand Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont met with India’s President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam in India on 26 June to begin negotiations to sign a Free Trade Agreement (FTA). Thailand and India are currently discussing reducing tariffs on imports and exports on bilateral trade. Prime Minister Surayud also signed two agreements on enhanced cooperation on renewable energy issues and cultural issues.