BANGKOK, Oct. 19 (Xinhua) -- Thai constitution drafters are expected to complete the first version of a new permanent charter by the end of next January, drafters' spokesman said Monday.
After the first draft comes out, comments will be gathered and the draft be reviewed accordingly, spokesman of the newly-formed Constitution Drafting Committee (CDC) Norachit Sinhaseni was quoted by the Nation newspaper as saying.
Norachit made the remarks while briefing diplomats and representatives of international organizations on the CDC's progress in charter drafting.
The 21-member CDC was set up earlier this month after a previous 124-page draft constitution was rejected by the already-dissolved National Reform Council early in September.
The drafters have not yet discussed such issues as holding a referendum on a finalized draft and what to do if it is voted down, Norachit said.
According to the government's new roadmap, four months will be needed to prepare a public referendum after a final draft is readied, another six months to draft organic laws and four more months for election preparations.
Thailand should have a new general election in mid-2017, Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha said earlier.
