Bowornsak Uwanno proposes constitutional reforms to restore trust in independent bodies

Former Deputy Prime Minister Bowornsak Uwanno has proposed five key constitutional amendments to address the declining public trust in Thailand’s independent organizations. Speaking at an academic seminar organized by the House of Representatives Committee on Courts, Independent Organizations, and the King Prajadhipok's Institute, Uwanno highlighted that confidence in these bodies has dropped significantly among the public, the government, and the Senate.

His proposed reforms include restructuring the selection process for independent bodies and returning the power of impeachment to the citizens. He also suggested reducing the time required to appoint a new Prime Minister and Cabinet to prevent long political vacuums. Specifically regarding the Election Commission (ECT), Uwanno proposed that administrative duties for organizing elections be transferred to government agencies, leaving the ECT to focus on enforcing regulations and prosecuting offenders.

Uwanno criticized the current constitutional framework for causing delays in government formation, noting that the process can take up to five months. He argued that faster election cycles—ideally within 30 days of a house dissolution—would reduce opportunities for electoral fraud. He further noted that Thailand faces significant challenges in corruption and regulatory compliance as it seeks to meet OECD standards.