EAP DAS JOHN'S MEETING WITH LEGISLATURE VICE

C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 02 BANGKOK 007398

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 12/14/2016
TAGS: PREL PGOV PHUM KDEM TH
SUBJECT: EAP DAS JOHN'S MEETING WITH LEGISLATURE VICE
PRESIDENT


Classified By: Ambassador Ralph L. Boyce, reason: 1.4 (b) and (d).

SUMMARY
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1. (C) A top legislator assured visiting EAP DAS John that
the parliament would work effectively with the Constitution
Drafting Committee to establish the legal framework for
Thailand's next elections. In a December 8 meeting, National
Legislative Assembly (NLA) Vice President Charan
Kullavanijava told DAS John that the NLA was an independent
body more able to serve the nation's interests than elected
politicians. The Constitution Drafting Assembly would likely
use the 1997 Constitution as a model for Thailand's next
charter, but Charan also believed the 1974 and 1978 versions
worth considering. DAS John offered USG assistance to the
Thais in the form of expertise on constitutional issues, and
Charan said he would convey this offer to the constitution
drafting body. End Summary.

DEFENDING AN APPOINTED LEGISLATURE
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2. (C) NLA Vice President Charan Kullavanijaya opened his
December 8 meeting with EAP DAS John by lauding the coup
leaders' decision to establish an appointed legislature.
When prior legislatures consisted of politicians tied to
political parties, he noted, these people thought of their
parties' interests. Now, however, thanks to an appointment
system that benefited from the wisdom of the King, the
parliament consisted of people who thought only of the
country's interests.


3. (C) Nevertheless, Charan admitted, legislators might have
various ways to interpret what was in the country's interest.
Opposition to a recent administration-sponsored bill to
preserve a state-run lottery had shown the NLA would debate
the pros and cons of legislation, rather than acting as a
rubber stamp for the administration. Charan characterized
the NLA as "very independent" of the executive branch, noting
there was no figure who acted as a whip to lobby legislators
for the government's position.


4. (C) DAS John asked whether the performance of the NLA
might affect the Thai public's willingness to accept an
appointed Senate, if this were to be the model selected by
constitution drafters. Charan replied indirectly, claiming
that the Thai society valued a form of democracy different
from Western traditions. Thai democracy relied upon guidance
of the King, who not only held the position of head of state,
but also was wise and widely loved. The Palace was capable
of selecting the best people to serve the country, Charan
said. The NLA was able to represent the people well, as its
members came from all walks of life, from various regions,
and they had many networks they could tap for information.
He implied that a Senate with appointed members, rather than
elected ones, would be equally legitimate.

VIEWS ON THE CONSTITUTION
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5. (C) Charan expressed confidence that the members of the
National People's Assembly, which would soon convene to form
the Constitution Drafting Assembly (CDA),would also be
guided by selfless patriotism rather than special interests.
Signaling USG interest in a speedy return to democratic
governance, DAS John asked whether Charan was confident that
the constitution drafting process would complete its work in
sufficient time for elections within one year of the coup.
Charan said he could not offer full assurances on this point,
but he noted that the NLA would maintain close unofficial
contacts with the CDA and work on enabling legislation for
the elections in a parallel process, while the constitution
drafting proceeded. Charan also noted that the interim
constitution implied, but did not compel, that the 1997
Constitution be the starting point for the constitution
drafters. However, the 1974 and 1978 constitutions also
provided worthy examples, Charan opined.

MEDIA FREEDOM
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6. (C) DAS John asked whether the NLA had media freedom on
its agenda. Charan saw no need for the NLA to work actively
on press freedom, saying the Thai media already was free to

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criticize the government. Unlike deposed Prime Minister
Thaksin, who reacted harshly to press criticism, Prime
Minister Surayud Chulanont was receptive to advice.

OFFER OF EXPERTISE
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7. (C) DAS John noted that, given the longstanding friendship
between the U.S. and Thailand, the USG was prepared to offer
assistance to help ensure a speedy return to
democratically-elected government, such as expertise on
constitutional issues. Charan welcomed this offer and said
he would convey it to the Constitution Drafting Committee (a
subgroup of the CDA).


8. (U) DAS John has cleared this cable.
HANSEN