To prevent politicians from committing severe corruption, the death penalty will be enshrined in an organic law of the junta-backed draft charter.

 

On 2 November 2016, Meechai Ruchuphan, the Chairman of the Constitution Drafting Committee (CDC), announced the CDC has been drafting the organic law for political parties — one of the most crucial laws of the junta-sponsored draft charter, reported Voice TV.  

 

The chairman said that the law will impose severe punishments on politicians involved in corruption cases. Punishments will range from lifting political rights, party dissolution, life imprisonment to the death penalty.   

 

The death sentence will be used against politicians who commit severe acts of corruption such as receiving money from abroad or in exchange for political positions, added Meechai. 

 

“Selling off high [political] positions will destroy the whole body. This hasn’t been finalised yet. We will listen to everyone. If [the punishments] are too heavy, they will be reduced,” stated Meechai.

 

The Constitutional Court will have the power to rule on corruption cases to facilitate the suppression of corruption. Meechai added further that the law will also set a ceiling on the money a political party can receive from donations. 

 

After a referendum on 7 August 2016 passed the draft charter, the CDC was appointed to draft 10 organic laws within 240 days to submit to the National Legislative Assembly — the junta-appointed lawmakers — for final approval. 

 

Laws related to political parties, general elections, the appointment of the senate and the Election Commission will be drafted first so a general election can be held as soon as possible.