Details
Thailand’s constitutional reform presents an opportunity to strengthen democratic institutions, improve governance, and shape the country’s long-term development. This policy discussion will explore how constitutional design can support effective political institutions, greater local autonomy, and an enabling environment for economic transformation.
Organised by the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS) Thailand Office, the Institute of Democratization Studies (iDS), and the Faculty of Political Science and Law, Burapha University, the event will bring together parliamentarians, political party representatives, academics, constitutional experts, local government representatives, civil society, and the private sector.
Through expert discussions and international comparative perspectives, participants will exchange ideas and develop practical policy recommendations to contribute to Thailand’s constitutional reform process and support a more democratic and future-ready institutional framework.
Agenda
09:00 – 09:30 Registration
09:30 – 09:50 Welcome remarks
- Dr. Prasert Patanaponpaiboon, Executive Director of iDS
- Dr. Angelika Klein, Representative KAS Thailand Office
09:50 – 10:00 Opening remarks
- Prof. Dr. Vichean Tansirikonkol, Dean, Faculty of political science and law, Burapha University
10:00 – 11:00 Keynote Address “Constitutional Design for the People: Rights, Representation, and Local Self-Government”
- Hon. Uthai Pimchaichon, Former President of the National Assembly, former Speaker of the House of Representatives, and former President of the Constitution Drafting Assembly
11:00 – 12:30 Discussion “From Democratic Experience to Constitutional Reform: Citizens’ Rights, Public Participation, and the Role of Local Government”
- Ms. Sunee Chaiyaros, Former National Human Rights Commissioner; former member of the 1997 Constitution Drafting Assembly and its drafting committee, with experience in human rights, community rights, and public participation
- Mr. Pirun Chatwanichkul, Former Deputy Secretary-General of the Election Commission of Thailand
- Mr. Boonthan Tansuthepverawong, Advisor to the National Human Rights Commission and former Secretary-General of the Coordinating Committee for Human Rights, with experience in human rights and civil society engagement
- Mr. Metha Maskhao, Secretary-General of the Campaign for Popular Democracy and civil society advocates for democracy, human rights, and public participation
12:30 – 13:45 Lunch
13:45 – 14:00 Summary of Key Points from the Morning Panel Discussion
14:00 – 16:30 Discussion on “Designing Thailand's Constitutional Future: From Constitutional Reform to Democratic Governance and National Competitiveness”
- Hon. Chaturon Chaisang, Member of the House of Representatives, Pheu Thai Party
- Hon. Suntorn Phrukpipat, Member of the House of Senates
- Assoc. Prof. Dr. Olar Thinbangtieo, Faculty of Political Science, Burapha University
- Dr. Stithorn Thananithichot, Faculty of Political Science, Chulalongkorn University
- Mr. Wirat Puangmanee, Board Member of the Local Administrators Association and Chief Executive of the Subdistrict Administrative Organizations
- Asst. Prof. Nopporn Khunkha, Lecturer at Public Administration Program, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Rajabhat Rajanagarindra University (Moderator)
16:30 – 16:55 Q&A
16:55 – 17:00 Closing ceremony
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