Draft Charter Ready For Vote

[Jai Dee]

EC Secretary General says opposition to 2007 constitution legal if no monetary incentives are used

The Secretary General of the Election Commission of Thailand reports that opposition movements to the 2007 constitution have been detected in certain areas.

Dr. Suthipol Thaweechaikarn (สุทธิพล ทวีชัยการ ) hosted a free concert to encourage public participation in the public referendum at the Northeastern Polytechnic School and College in Ubon Ratchathani province today. The EC Secretary General expressed his hope that the concert will create understanding of important components of the public referendum among local residents.

Officials have detected movements to overthrow the constitution in some areas, but will allow these activities to continue if monetary incentives and vote buying tactics are not used. Dr. Suthipol said that the Public Referendum Act does not limit the right of citizens to express their opposition to the 2007 constitutional draft.

The Secretary General of the Election Commission of Thailand added that concrete evidence has been gathered to verify that movements to overthrow the constitution are taking place in northeastern region provinces. Officials will be prosecuting responsible figures accordingly.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 14 August 2007

[Jai Dee]

CDA member believes voter turnout for public referendum will exceed 70%

The deputy chairman of the Public Referendum Campaign believes that voter turnout during the August 19th public referendum will exceed 70 percent.

Constitution Drafting Assembly member and Deputy Chairman of the Public Referendum Campaign, Mr. Sunthorn Chanthrangsri (สุนทร จันทรังษี ), expressed his confidence that voter turnout for the August 19th public referendum will be greater than 70 percent, while more than 80 percent of voters will approve the 2007 constitution. Mr. Sunthorn attributed the potential high voter turnout to excellent public relations on the importance of participating in the voting process by the media.

The Constitution Drafting Assembly member asked citizens to exercise their voting rights on August 19, from 8:00-16:00 as the public referendum will be Thailand's first, and will aid in resolving the nation's political situation.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 14 August 2007

[Jai Dee]

PM to visit northern provinces to encourage participation in public referendum

The Prime Minister is traveling to the northern region in order to call for public participation in the upcoming public referendum.

Minister to the Prime Minister's Office. Assc. Prof. Thirapat Serirangsan (ธีรภัทร์ เศรีรังสรรค์) revealed that a recent Cabinet meeting involved discussions on measures to encourage public participation in the August 19th public referendum. Assc. Prof. Thirapat reports that Prime Minister Gen. Surayud Chulanont (สุรยุทธ์ จุลานนท์) will be traveling to Chiang Mai province in order to encourage northern region residents to exercise their rights to vote.

The Minister to the Prime Minister's Office added that rumors of state letters being addressed to village headmen and community leaders instructing them to participate in the public referendum are untrue. Assc. Prof. Thirapat affirms that the government is supportive of public debates in order to encourage the exchange of ideas on the 2007 constitution drafting process.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 14 August 2007

[Jai Dee]

CDC Secretary says campaigns concerning charter draft contributes to more public participation on voting day

Secretary of the Constitution Drafting Committee, Somkid Lertpaitoon (สมคิด เลิศไพฑูรย์), says both campaigns for and against the constitution draft, have contributed to more understandings and enthusiam from the general public.

As for a referendum turnout, Mr Somkid states that there might be less people voting in the referendum than in general elections. 50% of eligible voters are expected to come out to vote. He says however that the turnout will not affect the legitimacy of the constitution.

Regarding requests for the lift of martial law in some areas, the CDC secretary says the martial law does not prohibit people to campaign for or against the charter draft.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 14 August 2007

[Jai Dee]

Interior Minister affirms CNS Chairman has not pressured the ministry to campaign for charter draft

Minister of Interior Aree Wong-araya (อารีย์ วงศ์อารยะ) affirms that his recent meeting with Council for National Security (CNS) Chairman Sonthi Boonyaratglin (สนธิ บุญยรัตกลิน) has nothing to do with the government’s campaign to encourage the general public to vote for the constitution draft in the referendum.

Mr Aree says the ministry has not instructed its officials to persuade people to vote “yes” and the CNS chairman has not pressured the ministry to use its mechanism to set motion for the constitution draft to pass the referendum.

The Ministry of Interior expects that more than 70% of eligible voters will attend the referendum. As for areas where the martial law has been enforced, the security units will help the ministry monitor the polls there.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 14 August 2007

[Mid]

Regarding requests for the lift of martial law in some areas, the CDC secretary says the martial law does not prohibit people to campaign for or against the charter draft.

economical with the truth .........................

[Jai Dee]

CNS Chairman admits government is worried about referendum

The Royal Thai Army Commander-in-Chief and Council for National Security (CNS) Chairman, Gen. Sonthi Boonyaratglin (สนธิ บุญยรัตกลิน), admits that the interim government is concerned over the 2007 constitution referendum on August 19th. He urges relevant ministries to urgently carry out public relations campaign for people to take part in the referendum.

Gen. Sonthi presided over the workshop organized by 1st Region Internal Security Operations Command (ISOC) Region 1 (กองอำนวยการรักษาความมั่นคงภายใน ภาค 1) today (August 14th). The workshop was held to clarify the ISOC's working policy. Attendances of this workshop included provincials ISOC officials, local administrative chiefs and army commanders. The 1st Region ISOC is responsible for 26 provinces in the central region

Gen. Sonthi insists that the government policy focuses on issues such as internal security, natural disasters, terrorism and poverty. He reveals that the Cabinet will have a discussion on the national referendum as the government is concerned over the movement against the new constitution draft. The Cabinet meeting today will come up with a neutral PR campaign to encourage people to exercise their rights to vote on August 19th.

Referring to Her Majesty the Queen’s address that Thai people should stay in the same boat, Gen. Sonthi says Thai people are in the same boat, but they do not know whether the boat would go forward or backward since no one is giving the direction.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 14 August 2007

[Mid]

Gen. Sonthi says Thai people are in the same boat, but they do not know whether the boat would go forward or backward since no one is giving the direction.

speachless .......................................

[blaze]

Colpyat;

Certainly we are on a topic and position I would enjoy debating with you on if my time allows. However both you and I understand that there are several elements that make up the new draft. I mostly have been looking at how it will curb corruption and that part I am very impressed with.

Your points are no doubt valid but they speak of another element of the draft that I feel is Thai business and I would prefer to let the Thais deal with that. However in general no document will stop a tank if the people in charge of the document get too out of line. No country is immune from that including the USA.

If the people feel the draft gives too much to the military, it does have provisions to change that if enough people back the change.

I don’t want to use too many metaphors because younghusband may get confused but this is like a sculpture. First you rough it out with the big tools, and then finish with the small tools. At the moment the Thai people are at the quarry deciding if they want this piece of roughed out granite or not. Checkout is on Sunday.

You seem to anticipate ammendments. There are two problems: one is that for a government to make these ammendments, it will probably have to command an overwhelming majority- and the charter is designed to prohibit the formation of overwhelming majorities- that is why most analysts, pro and con, anticipate a long period of coalition governments. And its very doubtful that a coalition gov't could gain the level of unanimity that will be required to make real adjustments.

Any ammedments affecting the senate or those who make senate appointments (which will almost certainly include proxies of the military) will very likely impel the senate to intervene.

And as far as ammendments that will claw back power from the military- have you not been listening to Sonthi et al? Basically they are saying- don't even think about it. (In case you haven't heard, they have not been coy about warning that without a role for the military in the running of the nation, don't put away your tank garlands just yet.)

But what are the impedements to corruption that you see in the charter? Or do you simply mean impedements to corruption by Thaksin? Certainly the ability of large parties to buy votes will be limited by the weakening of the parties and by throwing the whole system over to pure self interest on the part of individuals (who can STILL, if they have the money, buy votes) but aside from that- what in the charter prohibits corruption at, say- the customs- or immigration- or revenue dept, or in the awarding of contracts by state agencies etc etc?

[Plus]

Bureaucracy will certainly be strenghtened, but it's not necessarily a bad thing considering how it was dealt with under TRT where they were stripped of all powers.

Don't forget that they are the only ones responsible for policy consitency and long term effects. Under Thaksin the average minister lasted less than a year. Politiicians couldn't possibly work for the country, there was no time, and neither could bureaucrats - they had no power.

There are two sides to keeping bureaucrats on a short leash - one is to push through necessary reforms without a hindrance, another is to steal as much as possible without any opposition. Who'd give TRT a benefit of doubt now? certainly not me. Maybe Giles Ungpakorn.

Another "plus" side to keeping power with bureaucrats: it's essentially a life time posotions. Who can steal more - a set of bureaucrats changing every twenty years or a set of politicians changing every year or two at most? The answer is obvious.

As for rejecting the Constitution as illegitimate - what is Giles going to do about it? Renounce citizenship? It will be the reality that everyone will have to work with, legitimate or not, there will be no coming back.

[Mid]

Opinion

Stoppage time: Referendum won't answer the last question

Published on August 15, 2007

No, it won't be "judgement day". Far from it. Sunday, August 19, will only confirm that we are a divided nation blindly struggling for the true meaning of democracy.

Of course, the referendum on the controversial charter draft will generate tangible effects on our immediate political future, probably determining who will become the next prime minister, but it won't provide the definitive answer to the ultimate question.

What should be the common value that all Thais will forever hold dear? We have been lacking this one value and the continuous quest for it has only led us to blind alleys or dead-ends. With a staggering percentage of the population not truly informed about the draft constitution's content and another large portion not even caring about what's written because they have made up their minds to be "proxy voters", we won't be anywhere near the answer after Sunday.

The draft's passage would only show that the majority of us want to plough ahead, for better or worse. And this assumption would be half-hearted at best, because one could argue the military junta's shadow may have some influence on the outcome. An unlikely triumph for the "No"-vote campaign on the other hand would serve more as a verdict on the coup-makers than a true statement of what Thais really want.

For many of us, it will be a vote on what we "don't" want. Those on one side will use the occasion to reiterate their disapproval of corruption, while the other will cast ballots to decry dictatorship or an opportunistic military. Far less clear is what we think is the best way to guard against the two evils at the same time.

snip

Tulsathit Taptim

[aaaaaa]

democracy has never been given a real chance here ....

Accepting the new constitution means to legitimize such extra-constitutional actions, and sets a precedent for the next crises.

why! of course it is given a chance now:

http://nationmultimedia.com/2007/08/14/opi...30044869-01.jpg

Anti-Thaksin charter born undemocratically

After all, most of these new features in the draft charter are praiseworthy as they are aimed at plugging the loopholes once used by former premier Thaksin Shinawatra and his Thai Rak Thai Party as well as elevating the protection of people's rights and liberties.

However, as a voter, I remain undecided.

Ajarn Pakorn Priyakorn

one of Comments:

Previously I believe we have liberty to make decision.

But after finish you piece, I realise that Thai people absolutely have no freedom at all.... Because you are locked in fear. The coup bars you from saying Yes since it's undemocratic while you refrain from saying No because of Thaksin. The military does not allow you to cast no vote, either.

wow, such a revelation! glad that at least some people talking sense!

and he's made a worthy point: the whole Thaksin-bashing is a well devised campaign aimed at placing people in such a dilemma: IF you even try to express anything against new charter or present government - you're automatically branded and labeled as one of Thaksin cronies. so, there is no much choice left rather than vote Yes or not vote at all (neither Y/N)

Freedoms, rights not guaranteed

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2007/08/10...cs_30044432.php

It may sound ironic, but supporters and drafters of the junta-sponsored draft constitution say it offers more rights to Thai citizens than any previous constitution.

This may be true, but there is a catch - all rights and liberties recognized under the draft charter, ranging from the right to assembly, right to access to information and more, are all subject to exception.

Constitution Debate

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2007/08/03...cs_30043552.php

Vorachet Phakheerat, a law lecturer at Thammasat University:

"Even when we don't take into account the origin of this charter drafting assembly, comparatively, there are more weak points than strong points. Saying yes to the Constitution would not solve political problems. Rather, it would lead to the dead end,"

here is outsiders view, even fair to say - objective analysis:

Thailand's Internal Security Bill:

sweeping powers for the military with little accountability

http://www.amnestyusa.org/document.php?lan...ENGASA390102007

AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL

......

Amnesty International is seriously concerned that the Draft Act exempts all government officials who have committed crimes while acting in accordance with the act from any criminal or civil liability, or even disciplinary action, if they had exercised "functions honestly, in a non-discriminatory manner and within reason" (Article 37). Amnesty International opposes granting impunity for any human rights violation.

The organization is further concerned that with the enactment of this draft law, several key human rights would be in jeopardy of being violated with impunity. These rights are enshrined in the Universal Declaration on Human Rights and provided, among others, in the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, to which Thailand is a state party. They include:

* Freedom of movement

* Freedom of assembly

* Freedom from arbitrary detention

* The right to fair trial procedures

* The right to privacy

Edited August 14, 2007 by aaaaaa

[cmsally]

I think a very telling fact here is that if you try to discuss this with any Thais in a public place or anywhere they can be overheard, they do not discuss it. They will do in the privacy of someones home but I have not been able to have a discussion in a public place , it is a touchy subject and people are afraid to say what they think a lot of the time.

Is this the kind of society people aspire to?

[sriracha john]

In regards to Thailand and to quote the great and wise Chiang Mai sage, Ajarn:

"Your mileage may vary."

------------------------------------------------

I've had a number of conversations with Thais in public places regarding this topic.

[Jai Dee]

Mr Bovornsak says flaws of charter draft can be amended after referendum

Deputy Chairman of the Political Reform Committee under the National Legislative Assembly (NLA), Bovornsak Uwanno (บวรศักดิ์ อุวรรณโณ), says the 2007 constitution draft has flaws which can be amended after it passes the referendum.

Mr Bowornsak adds that the 2007 charter draft is in principle not different from the 1997 Constitution but it carries more details to clarify some issues. He says it is necessary to revise some articles of the new constitution, including the one authorizing the Constitution Court to propose laws relating to its operation.

Meanwhile, Former Parliament President Uthai Pimchaichon (อุทัย พิมพ์ใจชน) says the constitution referendum is important to the country and its people. Although the charter draft has flaws, he encourages people to vote in the referendum and decide for themselves whether to approve the charter draft or not.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 15 August 2007

[Jai Dee]

Metropol deploys 13,000 officers to ensure security at BKK voting stations

The Metropolitan Police Bureau is deploying 13,000 police officers to ensure security at voting stations throughout the Bangkok.

The Spokesman of the Metropolitan Police Bureau, Pol. Col. Suthisarn Pakdeenarunak (สุพิศาล ภักดีนฤนาถ), says the Metropolitan Police will be deploying 13,000 police officers on August 19th to ensure security at more than 6,000 voting stations throughout the Bangkok Metropolitan area. Rapid response and crowd control units have been prepared in order to accommodate possible situations. Police officers have also received training on public referendum laws.

Pol. Col. Suthisarn says the Metropolitan Police Commissioner, Pol. Lt. Gen. Adisorn Nonsee (อดิศร นนทรีย์), has called a meeting of metropolitan police commanders in order to reiterate the importance of enforcing public referendum laws during a Thai Rak Thai Group's rally scheduled in Sanam Luang today.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 15 August 2007

[Jai Dee]

Royal Thai Air Force use low altitude aircrafts to publicize public referendum

The Royal Thai Air Force is organizing aircrafts to conduct aerial broadcasts encouraging northern region residents to participate in the upcoming public referendum.

The Royal Thai Air Force is cooperating with the Special Committee on Public Participation of Chiang Mai Province in publicizing the upcoming public referendum by deploying N22B Nomad aircrafts from the 461st Squadron, Wing 46 of Phitsanulok province in conducting aerial broadcasting at an altitude of 500 feet and a broadcasting strength of 2,100 watts in order to encourage local residents in the northern region to vote in the August 19th public referendum.

Ground troop are also conducting campaigns to create understanding on the 2007 constitution with citizens. Prime Minister Gen. Surayud Chulanont will be visiting Chiang Mai province today in order to host an opening ceremony for public referendum campaigns.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 15 August 2007

[Mid]

Mr Bovornsak says flaws of charter draft can be amended after referendum

Deputy Chairman of the Political Reform Committee under the National Legislative Assembly (NLA), Bovornsak Uwanno (บวรศักดิ์ อุวรรณโณ), says the 2007 constitution draft has flaws which can be amended after it passes the referendum.

Mr Bowornsak adds that the 2007 charter draft is in principle not different from the 1997 Constitution but it carries more details to clarify some issues. He says it is necessary to revise some articles of the new constitution, including the one authorizing the Constitution Court to propose laws relating to its operation.

Meanwhile, Former Parliament President Uthai Pimchaichon (อุทัย พิมพ์ใจชน) says the constitution referendum is important to the country and its people. Although the charter draft has flaws, he encourages people to vote in the referendum and decide for themselves whether to approve the charter draft or not.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 15 August 2007

cut to the chase ..................

sign this cheque , we'll fill in the numbers later .

[Mid]

Former charter drafting assembly chairman declares opposition to draft constitution

August 15, 2007 : Last updated 10:27 am

Uthai Pimchaichon, chairman of the 1997 constitution drafting assembly, said Wednesday he would vote against the 2007 draft constitution.

Speaking at public symposium on the draft constitution held by the King Prachatipok Institute, Uthai said the new draft would weaken the strength of the government and would lead Thailand back to political problems in the past.

Uthai said the new draft would make it possible for another coup to take place.

The Nation

highlighting mine

[Jai Dee]

No vote-buying activities have been reported in Phetchabun

The Office of the Provincial Election Commission (EC) of Phetchabun (เพชรบูรณ์) Chairman, Pol. Sub. Lt. Isaretrit Nilwong (อิศเรศฤทธิ์ นิลวงศ์), affirms that there have been no vote-buying activities for people in the province to disapprove the 2007 constitution draft in the referendum.

Pol. Sub. Lt. Isaretrit says the Office of the Provincial EC of Phetchabun has received no reports relating to vote-buying activities, and he believes politicians in the province do not want to intervene with the state sector. He says the ties between the state sector and the politicians in Phetchabun are pleasant.

Pol. Sub. Lt. Isaretrit also says people have the right to choose whether they want to approve or disapprove the new charter draft in the referendum, but he would like to encourage them to take part in the referendum on August 19th.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 15 August 2007

[hammered]

I think a very telling fact here is that if you try to discuss this with any Thais in a public place or anywhere they can be overheard, they do not discuss it. They will do in the privacy of someones home but I have not been able to have a discussion in a public place , it is a touchy subject and people are afraid to say what they think a lot of the time.

Is this the kind of society people aspire to?

In all honesty Thailand has been like that a lot longer than since the coup. For example, if a Thai person tried to say anything negative about Thaksin before in of the Northern villages I know of through my wife they faced a very diificult time and possibly a very uncertain oner if they went on too much. Not a society anyione should aspire for under a government elected or unelected. However, the reality of Thai society for many years now and probably for amny to come. Thai people do deserve something better but to get it they almost certasinly need to shed themselves not just of stste and military oppression but also the oppression of the feudal influential ones and clan families that they repeatedly elect when told to. For that to happen you need a complete change in Thai society, and that looks a long way off right now. All we are seing now is a struggle for complete power by two groups of people that are now quite diverse including some of the most nationalistic characters with real blood on their hands. This does not auger well for a nice or democratic Thailand in the foreseeable future. Howeevr, we may get to have elections again for the usual characters to contest and carve the country up by and we may get a constitution of one variety or another but it doesnt really matter for as we have seen politicians are quite happy to ignore and undermine constitutions anyway.

[Jai Dee]

Interior Ministry assigns all units to continue campaign for people to vote in referendum

The Ministry of Interior has reinstructed provincial governors and relevant agencies to closely monitor the situation prior to the 2007 constitution referendum on August 19th.

The Interior Ministry held a meeting with provincial governors and relevant agencies nationwide via videoconference today (August 15th), and the Deputy Minister of Interior, Mr. Banyat Chansena, presided over this meeting. Mr. Banyat has assigned all units to carry on the campaign for Thai people to vote in the national referendum as different sides are still conducting various movements, causing confusion and misunderstanding among many people.

Mr. Banyat has ordered officials to explain the 2007 constitution draft and the referendum to members of the public and encourage them to participate in this national event this Sunday.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 15 August 2007

[Jai Dee]

All provinces receive referendum ballots

The Election Commission (EC) of Thailand has delivered the referendum ballots to all provinces of Thailand. All ballots contain security codes, and ballots from each region have different colors.

Dr. Sutthipol Thaweechaikarn (สุทธิพล ทวีชัยการ), the EC Secretary-General, says all provinces have received the referendum ballots. He expects no problems should arise because all ballots have security codes and each region use ballots with different colors.

Dr. Sutthipol urges eligible voters not to throw away their voting rights by taking part in the 2007 constitution referendum on August 19th. He asks people to take careful consideration before deciding whether they want to approve or disapprove the new charter draft.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 15 August 2007

[Martin]

"... before deciding whether they want to approve or disapprove the new charter draft...."

Many will vote FOR approval for very many different reasons.

Some will vote AGAINST approval for many different reasons.

I hope there will be exit polls conducted that get some indication of these reasons and the strength by which they are held.

[Mid]

Dr. Sutthipol Thaweechaikarn (สุทธิพล ทวีชัยการ), the EC Secretary-General, says all provinces have received the referendum ballots. He expects no problems should arise because all ballots have security codes and each region use ballots with different colors.

possible problem with secret ballot ??

[Losangels]

I hope there will be exit polls conducted that get some indication of these reasons and the strength by which they are held.

I hope so also, but is it allowed by the General?

[hammered]

"... before deciding whether they want to approve or disapprove the new charter draft...."

Many will vote FOR approval for very many different reasons.

Some will vote AGAINST approval for many different reasons.

I hope there will be exit polls conducted that get some indication of these reasons and the strength by which they are held.

It would be nice. I also hope the little constatntly updaying ticker tape thingy on the telly carries on until an electoral conclusion as it did in several elections up to but not including the dodgy 2006 one. That coupled with pictures from counting centers all helps to allay fears of a rig by the counters although little can be done to undermine the effects of orders from influential ones and the handing out of dosh.

[Jai Dee]

Mr Chuan believes various opinions about charter draft will not affect voting decision

Former Prime Minister Chuan Leekpai (ชวน หลีกภัย) says he believes that both campaigns for and against the constitution draft will not affect people’s decision to vote in the referendum on August 19th.

Mr Chuan gave an interview to the press after he had presided over an annual academic fair at Prince of Songkla University in Songkhla province. He said various opinions about the charter draft are good for a democratic society.

The ex-PM also suggested relevant government units to educate young people and communities across the country about the importance of democracy.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 15 August 2007

[Sanpatong]

relevant government units to educate young people and communities across the country about the importance of democracy.

What a hypocrite. Educate them on how to boycott elections and collaborate with the military when it suits you, perhaps?

Edited August 15, 2007 by Sanpatong

[Mid]

Cash from casinos in Burma under watch

POST REPORTERS

snip

Yesterday soldiers arrested a gambler on the same suspicion. He claimed to have won 300,000 baht in cash at a Burmese casino.

The man, whose name was not disclosed, was apprehended and his money seized after he left the casino at the Golden Triangle Paradise Resort and tried to enter Thailand, officers said.

He denied any involvement in the campaign against the charter, which is led by former Thai Rak Thai leaders and the anti-government United Front of Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD). They claim the draft constitution is undemocratic and was drafted to benefit the leaders of the Sept 19 coup.

Officers said the hotel belongs to the family of a well-known Thai politician, and they needed to thoroughly check the gambler's background to see if he had links to the dissolved Thai Rak Thai party.

snip

The Post Publishing Public Co