Constitution breakthrough

The government and opposition agreed on Monday to set up an extraordinary committee to study a rewrite of the 2007 constitution - with outsiders invited to join.

The agreement, likely to reduce the level of political tension measurably, was reached at a meeting of parliamentary whips from both the government and opposition camps, and encouraged by opposition leader Abhisit Vejjajiva.

Mr Abhisit, speaking to the media after the meeting hosted by House Speaker Chai Chidchob, said the extraordinary committee would be appointed during the House special session, due to open next Monday.

"Every concerned party" would be invited to sit, he said, raising expectations that outsiders including public representatives might be invited.

Withaya Buranasiri, deputy chief government whip, said the meeting agreed that outsiders, including core leaders of the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) as well as activists supporting the government move to amend the constitution, would be invited to join.

The public should see the move as a righteous intention of the House to help reduce ongoing political tensions, Mr Withaya said.

There are still hurdles and roadblocks to overcome. Factions in the House said on Monday they intend to try to press ahead with their own programme to amend the constitution.

Mr Withaya said the plan to gather signatures is up to each House member and senator to decide because they have the right under the constitution, which does not mandate party loyalty.

Members and supporters of the PAD were rallying in central Bangkok for the ninth day Monday. (with reports from TNA)