The Future Forward party has vowed to press ahead with its plan to collect more than 100 signatures of fellow MPs to support its motion to amend the Constitution, with the aim of scrapping all the NCPO’s orders and doing away with the junta-appointed Senate.

Party secretary-general Piyabutr Saengkanokkul said yesterday that the Future Forward party, which has 81 MPs, would need the support of at least 20 more fellow MPs to second its motion, particularly Section 279 which endorses all the orders issued by the now defunct National Council for Peace and Order and its related actions.

“Our priority mission is to scrap the section and the junta-appointed Senate, said Piyabutr as he cited the Senate’s performance on June 5 when the senators overwhelmingly voted for General Prayut Chan-o-cha as the Prime Minister.

He noted that, unless the current Senate is dissolved, attempts by the elected lower House to amend the constitution, to promulgate laws pertaining to national reform and to enact charter-related bills will be difficult.

The Future Forward party secretary insisted that a new constitution must be drafted because the existing one is not democratic.

“Everyone is fully aware that amending this Constitution is very difficult, and may be impossible in practice.  The Future Forward party, however, always believes that politics is all about possibilities,” said Piyabutr, adding that the party will explore all possible channels, not just through parliament but through an awareness campaign detailing why the current charter is problematic and needs to be replaced.