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MPs face a heavy workload

Charter changes top long list of bills in parliament

More than 100 pieces of legislation are awaiting scrutiny by parliament when it reconvenes tomorrow after the New Year break.

His Majesty the King yesterday endorsed the royal decree authorising the opening of an assembly of the parliament.

The contentious bill on amendments to the constitution is expected to be the first in line for deliberation.

Parliament president Chai Chidchob said government whips had asked that parliament meet next Tuesday to consider the bill.

The bill involves a proposal strongly supported by the ruling Democrat Party to amend Sections 93 to 98 of the constitution to change the makeup of the lower house to 375 constituency MPs and 125 from the party lists. The Democrats' junior coalition partners favour a 400:100 formula.

The present makeup is 400:80.

Observers feel there might be a dissolution of the House if the coalition parties cannot reach a common position on the issue before the parliament session begins.

The lawmakers will need to resolve their differences before they can go ahead to deliberate the other 107 bills on the agenda.

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva yesterday brushed aside a proposal by the coalition Bhumjaithai Party for another formula calling for 400 constituency MPs and 125 list MPs. He did not see how this latest proposal could help break the impasse.

The first two bills to be considered after the charter amendment bill will be one on identity cards and another to restore the rights of Social Security Fund members who have had their rights revoked.

Also high on the list of priorities are legislation on social security, a bill on the salary and position allowances of teachers and other education staff, a bill to amend the law on the farmers aid fund, and a bill on the establishment of the Administrative Court and procedures involving administrative cases.

There is also a bill on protecting personal data, a bill on national health insurance and a contentious draft piece of legislation on compensation for medical malpractice.

Supporters and opponents of the malpractice bill are expected to mount rallies to push their case when the legislation goes before parliament.

Also high on the agenda is a draft bill to amend the Criminal Code to revoke the statute of limitations on corruption offences by civil servants and politicians.

There are 18 pieces of legislation being vetted by lower house committees. They include laws calling for the establishment of an independent body to protect consumers and a draft bill being pushed by the Democrat Party to set up a national savings fund.

Another significant bill covers the management of the state's reserved or restricted land. There are 11 versions of the bill presented by MPs from both the government and opposition benches.

The bill to increase the salaries and position allowances of national politicians is expected to be endorsed during this coming session.

A bill to create the country's 77th province, in the Northeast, to be named Bung Kan, and a bill to make Fang district in Chiang Mai into another new province will be tabled.

The lawmakers will also consider legislation on regulating public gatherings.

Observers say it will be nearly impossible for the lawmakers to finish deliberation of the more than 100 bills in a single session given the fact the opposition Puea Thai Party will table a no-confidence motion against the government.