Recognising Buddhism as the state religion was the most divisive issue at the first televised public forum organised by the Constitution Drafting Assembly (CDA) yesterday.

"There will surely be a problem if it's not included in the constitution," threatened one fundamentalist Buddhist man during the programme.

Some Muslim participants said the move was unnecessary because Buddhism was already the de facto state religion in a country that was home to those of different faith.

Constitution Drafting Committee chairman Prasong Soonsiri remained neutral and told the audience drafters were divided and no conclusion had been made.

It was clear ahead of the programme drafters wanted to avoid the issue. A list of topics considered important omitted a state religion.

The list did include the issue of making room for a non-elected prime minister not involved in

the "tearing up of the

[1997] Constitution". The programme did not debate this.

CDA public hearing and referendum committee chairman Chirmsak Pinthong asked for a show of hands in support or opposition to including a state religion in the charter.

Response was divided approximately evenly.

"Don't pay attention to this any more. It will make it through the constitution," argued a participant as the show was closed following its allotted two hours.

Other issues discussed included the elected or non-elected status of prime ministers, party affiliation for members of Parliament and the selection of Constitution Court judges.

There was clear support from participants for recognition of community rights, rights for the disabled and allowing public proposals of legislation and amendments.

The two-hour programme broadcast from Parliament attracted 250 people. Topics for debate were selected in advance by Chirmsak from suggestions.

He called the programme an "open, democratic forum for all". One woman had power to her microphone turned off mid-sentence.

"We should have the right to say whatever we want in a democracy but it's [Chirmsak] who dictates what topics we discuss," she said.

Another man expressed anger at junta "discrimination" of 31 million members of political parties ruled ineligible for CDA membership.

"Where are the 31 million voices that have been silenced?" he asked.

Chirmsak told him his discussion topic was not on the agenda. He warned participants staging protests, raising placards or

discussing unauthorised topics would be silenced. "The camera will be turned away from you. Don't speak on topics not selected or the microphone will be turned off," he said.

"I think they already have the framework of what to write," Assembly of the Poor member Tharit Martkul said.

There will be another televised forum next Sunday and the CDA hopes to hold a total of 24 ahead of the final charter draft.

Pravit Rojanaphruk

The Nation