EC To Arrange Public Referendum In August

[Mid]

The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) is encouraging the general public to take part in the constitution referendum, and plans to set the date for holding the referendum as quickly as possible.

that's encouraging ................

[hammered]

BMA supports constitution referendum

The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) is encouraging the general public to take part in the constitution referendum, and plans to set the date for holding the referendum as quickly as possible. The BMA believes public members will not be confused if the general election has been postponed.

Bangkok Governor Apirak Kosayodhin talks about the Bangkok’s Internal Security Operations Command (ISOC) meeting yesterday (Jul 3), saying narcotics and natural disasters were the main issues being discussed. At the same time, the meeting also agreed to organize activities to educate members of the public about the constitution referendum, and relevant agencies will decide the date for holding it so public relations activities on this issue can be prepared to create public awareness.

Bangkok Governor Apirak says the plan to renovate Sanam Luang will be implemented while trying to facilitate the demonstration. If the demonstrators request to use Sanam Luang to stage their rallies, the BMA would consider them case by case.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 04 July 2007

This is getting confusing. How could anyone not support the referendum? That is your opportunity to vote it up or down.

[Mid]

As for a campaign against the new constitution, he says it is the task of the Election Commission to consider whether it is illegal.

Anti-coup activists insist rights to campaign to reject draft charter

Prachatai

04 July 2007

In response to Election Commissioner Sodsri Sattayatham who previously stated that any attempt to persuade the public to reject the draft charter is subject to punishment according to the referendum law still deliberated by legislators, the 19 Sept Network against Coup d'etat vows to fight on.

Sodsri, also a member of the Constitution Drafting Committee and the Constitution Drafting Assembly, had said that once the Referendum Act comes into effect, any such attempts will be violating the law. Article 10 of the law prohibits criticisms that will interfere the voting. However, the law has yet to be passed by the National Legislative Assembly (NLA). Once it enters into force, any such attempts must be stopped. (Matichon, July 3, 2007)

Translated and rewrited by Ponglert Pongwanan

now where did we put that rubber stamp ?

Edited July 4, 2007 by Mid

[Jai Dee]

Chart Thai Party leader affirms party ready to assist government in conducting public referendum

The Leader of the Chart Thai Party affirms that his party is ready to assist government officials in campaigning for a public opinion survey.

The Leader of the Chart Thai Party Mr. Banharn Silapa-archa (บรรหาร ศิลปอาชา) expressed his belief that the August 19th public opinion survey is an appropriate course of action due to its support in alleviating the nation's political situation. Mr. Banharn said that the government, the Council for National Security, and the Constitution Drafting Assembly should expedite understanding of the 2007 constitutional draft among members of the public in order to facilitate the public opinion survey process.

The Chart Thai Party leader affirms that his party is ready to assist the government in conducting its public opinion survey by instructing former Chart Thai Members of Parliament to create campaign for the event among citizens. Mr. Banharn added that the incident in which former Thai Rak Thai Party members voiced their opposition to the 2007 constitutional draft would be detrimental to former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra's image.

A meeting of Chart Thai Party members will be held on July 9th in order to discuss the party's future movements in accordance with Council for National Security protocols.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 05 July 2007

[Jai Dee]

EC requests people to decide for themselves whether to vote for or against charter draft

Secretary-General of the Election Commission (EC) Suthiphol Thaweechaikarn (สุทธิพล ทวีชัยการ) calls on the general public to exercise their discretion in deciding whether to vote for or against the constitution draft and warns of attempts to boycott the draft.

In addition, the EC secretary-general reports that the Cabinet has just approved a budget of more than 500 million baht for EC to arrange the referendum for the new constitution. EC has a plan to spend this amount of money on publishing referendum ballots and other equipments necessary for the arrangement of the referendum.

The secretary-general adds that EC will kick off its campaign for the referendum on July 10th and set up more subcommittees to facilitate voters, especially the disabled, elderly, and laborers.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 05 July 2007

[Mid]

EDITORIAL

Preparing for the referendum

Thursday July 05, 2007

In light of the importance and wide ramifications of a new constitution for all concerned, opponents of the draft should not be barred from expressing their views. They should be engaged in the debate so that the public may hear the other side of the story, rather than just the government's version. The state must desist from any attempt to ''silence'' the opinions of opponents, as evident in some controversial clauses in the referendum bill, which should be very carefully considered. It is too risky to allow the bill speedy passage only to find out afterwards that it poses a threat to freedom of expression. Most important, the public must be fully informed about the contents of the draft charter. It will be their own judgement whether they reject or accept the draft. And the result _ whichever it may be _ must be accepted by all.

The Post Publishing Public Co

why have a referendum , if the no vote is unable to state their case ??

[Jai Dee]

3rd Army Area Commander reports prominent figures in northern region accused of paying citizens to veto 2007 constitution

The Third Army Area Commander reports that prominent figures in the northern region have been found paying citizens to vote against enactment of the 2007 constitution.

Third Army Area Commander Lt Gen Chiradate Kotcharat (จิรเดช คชรัตน์ ) reported that movements by prominent political figures have been observed in northern region provinces, including Phayao, Chiang Rai, Phrae, and Lamphun. These figures have been accused of paying local residents with 500 baht each in order to persuade them to vote against implementation of the 2007 constitution.

The Third Army Area Commander added that political movements in the northern region is currently being monitored by the Third Army Area Command and relevant national security agencies. Local residents have been made to understand that public opinion surveys on August 19th, and upcoming general elections are essential to the welfare of the nation.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 06 July 2007

[Mid]

3rd Army Area Commander reports prominent figures in northern region accused of paying citizens to veto 2007 constitution

give me a break , this is official scaremongering

[hammered]

3rd Army Area Commander reports prominent figures in northern region accused of paying citizens to veto 2007 constitution

The Third Army Area Commander reports that prominent figures in the northern region have been found paying citizens to vote against enactment of the 2007 constitution.

Third Army Area Commander Lt Gen Chiradate Kotcharat (จิรเดช คชรัตน์ ) reported that movements by prominent political figures have been observed in northern region provinces, including Phayao, Chiang Rai, Phrae, and Lamphun. These figures have been accused of paying local residents with 500 baht each in order to persuade them to vote against implementation of the 2007 constitution.

The Third Army Area Commander added that political movements in the northern region is currently being monitored by the Third Army Area Command and relevant national security agencies. Local residents have been made to understand that public opinion surveys on August 19th, and upcoming general elections are essential to the welfare of the nation.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 06 July 2007

Just arrest them then. That should be enough to ensure they remain incarcerated until the whole election procedure is over.

It makes me think of another issue about how in every Thai election candidates start offing each other and each others canvassers. This could be a particularly nasty time in the run up to the election even when considering most of the offed are scary and certainly could not be described as having any belief in democratic principles.

A reminder that things are getting back to normal in Thai politcs.

[sriracha john]

The CDA just voted unanimously to accept the constitution.. It goes to the referendum vote on August 19th now.

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/index.php?s=...t&p=1402675

[george]

This thread continues here:

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=129416