Draft Charter Ready For Vote

[slimdog]

Mr. Aree, however, believes that the movements against the charter draft could not change people’s decision because they understand the situation well.

The situation as portrayed by ThaiRath

[Mid]

Thai referendum to heal country's diseased politics?

Posted August 16th, 2007 by Tarique

By DPA

Bangkok : Thais will head to their neighbourhood voting stations to take part in the kingdom's first referendum this Sunday. But few expect the unique exercise in democracy is to heal the country's deep political rifts.

Some 45 million Thais will be eligible to accept or reject a constitution drafted by a military-appointed committee in the wake of the Sep 19, 2006, coup that ousted former premier Thaksin Shinawatra.

snip

Urdustan.com

[Mid]

Govt to hold debate on new charter Friday

August 16, 2007 : Last updated 06:30 pm

The government is holding a debate on the new Constitution Friday to raise awareness on the referendum, Prime Minister's Office Minister Thirapat Serirangsan said Thursday.

The debate will be broadcast live on Channel 9, he said, adding that the government had coordinated with the People's Network for Elections in Thailand (Pnet) and had invited leaders from both sides to air their views.

Drafters Seri Suwanphanont, Nakarin Mektrirat and Paiboon Warahapaitoon will stand in support of the charter, while 1997 Constitution writer Kanin Boonsuwan, law lecturer Somchai Preechasilapakul and former senator Jon Ungpakorn will stand against it.

The Nation

[Mid]

TRT launches caravan of trucks to campaign against draft charter

August 16, 2007 : Last updated 06:40 pm

The Thai Rak Thai group Thursday launched a caravan of 100 red pickup trucks in the campaign against the Constitution draft.

The pick up trucks carry banners with messages read, "Go vote against the Constitution draft on August 19."

The caravan travelled on three routes in and around Bangkok

.

The Nation

Thai Rak Thai group advisor Chaturon Chaisang releases the caravan on Thursday morning to campaign Bangkok voters to vote 'No' on August 19 to reject the constitution draft.

Edited August 16, 2007 by Mid

[Mid]

Fine-tooth comb needed for clauses

Published on August 16, 2007

The devil is in the detail and it needs an expert to read between the lines

The problem for ordinary citizens in trying to weigh the pros and cons of the junta-sponsored draft constitution is that provisions provided for in the charter require an expert's examination to reveal the hidden details and possible loopholes.

The issues of how the charter stipulates free-trade agreements (FTA) and the privatisation of key public utilities are a case in point. Article 190 deals with six paragraphs on FTAs. On the surface, they appear to be a triumph for anti-FTA groups such as FTA Watch, who have campaigned hard to make any future agreements transparent, accountable and determined by Parliament.

Paragraph two of the article states that future FTAs must receive approval from Parliament.

There's a catch, however, because the same paragraph also states that only those agreements which are deemed by the Cabinet to have a "wide ranging" impact on the economy or society, or which "significantly" bind the state's trading, investment and budget would need to be approved by Parliament.

Jacques Chomthongdi, a leading member of FTA Watch group, believed that, in reality, there may be room for governments to avoid having to get parliamentary approval for future FTA agreements.

snip

nationmultimedia.com

[stumonster]

so what is going to happen if the no vote carries? - I expect that to be the result.

will the elections still be held toward the end of the year ?

[sriracha john]

The Thai Rak Thai group Thursday launched a caravan of 100 red pickup trucks

Thai Rak Thai group advisor Chaturon Chaisang

Chaturon needs to visit this site:

Ishihara Test for Color Blindness

As a head start.... this is a red pickup truck

[ColPyat]

so what is going to happen if the no vote carries? - I expect that to be the result.

will the elections still be held toward the end of the year ?

I would be surprised of the charter would be rejected. But supposedly it would end up with that result - there would still be elections, and simply one of the 17 other charters, most likely the last '97 one, with certain amendments by the junta, would be taken.

[meom]

so what is going to happen if the no vote carries? - I expect that to be the result.

will the elections still be held toward the end of the year ?

They're supposed to adopt anyone of the previous constitutions and arrange elections accordingly towards the end of the year. All in due time I guess

See above response by CP.

Edited August 16, 2007 by meom

[Jai Dee]

Police officers in Surin are ready for referendum

Police in Surin province had a meeting to discuss security measures for the voters on the 2007 constitution referendum day on August 19th.

The meeting was attended by Pol. Maj. Gen. Boonlert Jaipradit (บุญเลิศ ใจประดิษฐ ), the Superintendent of the Surin Provincial Police, together with investigating police officers and police chiefs across the province. Pol. Maj. Gen. Boonlert says the security measures have been prepared to ensure that the referendum in Surin province will take place smoothly and efficiently. He has assigned all police officers to fully perform their roles and encourage public members to vote in this historical event while being impartial at all times.

Pol. Maj. Gen. Boonlert says checkpoints will be set up on various routes near the voting stations in Surin provinces to prevent vote-buying or other illegal activities from being conducted. He says the police and military officers will closely work together to monitor the situation and to prevent ill-intentioned people from creating mishaps this Sunday.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 17 August 2007

[Jai Dee]

CDA Chairman asks public to vote in referendum

The Chairman (ประธาน) of the Constitution Drafting Assembly (CDA) (สภาร่างรัฐธรรมนูญ), Mr. Noranit Sethabutr (นรนิติ เศรษฐบุตร), urges Thai people to express their opinions by voting in the public referendum to allow the country's democracy to move forward.

Mr. Noranit says if the referendum approves the new charter draft, the the Constitution Drafting Committee (CDC) would be responsible for drafting the organic laws concerning the constitution, and they will be forwarded to the CDA for approval. The general election could be held in 90 days after the organic laws have been approved.

Mr. Noranit says he would like public members to exercise their rights by voting in the referendum as the political situation would be clearer. He says there are no statement saying that the constitution draft lacks legitimacy even if the voter turnout would be low.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 17 August 2007

[Jai Dee]

Chart Thai urges people to vote in referendum

The Chart (ชาติ) Thai Party deputy spokespersons are encouraging members of the public to exercise their right to vote on the 2007 constitution referendum on August 19th.

Last night, a team deputy spokespersons of the Chart Thai Party, including Mr. Watchara Kanika (วัชระ กรรณิการ์), Mr. Sirichoke Siriwanna (ศิริโชค สิริวรรณภา) and Ms. Paornrat Yodnen (ปอรรัชม์ ยอดเณร) travelled to department stores in Siam (สยาม) Square and Chiang Kong (เชียงกง) to campaign for people to vote in the referendum. The campaign attracted many people, such as students and shop vendors.

Chart Thai deputy spokeswoman Puanrat (ปวณรัตน์) Yodnen says the purpose of this campaign is to help Thailand’s politics to move forward.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 17 August 2007

[Mid]

Exercise your rights

Two girls from a kindergarten in Nan's Muang district hold a placard encouraging people to exercise their right to vote in Sunday's referendum on the draft constitution. — RARINTHORN PINADUANG

The Post Publishing Public Co

from the mouths of babies ...........................

[Jai Dee]

Academic says charter draft raises ethics of politicians

An academic says the 2007 constitution draft focuses on politicians’ ethics and people’s rights and liberties.

Independent academic and activist Phiphob Thongchai (พิภพ ธงไชย) gave an interview for a television program on Channel 11, saying that the charter draft intends to increase politicians’ ethics and morality which were overlooked in the 1997 Constitution. In addition, he states that the charter draft can be amended after a new government has been formed.

Meanwhile, an academic from the Faculty of Political Science of Thammasat University, Kasian Tejapira (เกษียร เตชะพีระ), disagrees with the 2007 constitution draft as it lowers power of the legislature but raises power of the judiciary, resulting in a government which lacks administrative stability. However, Mr Kasian says some articles of the charter draft are keys to prevent capitalist cronyism.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 17 August 2007

[ColPyat]

Academic says charter draft raises ethics of politicians

An academic says the 2007 constitution draft focuses on politicians’ ethics and people’s rights and liberties.

Independent academic and activist Phiphob Thongchai (พิภพ ธงไชย) gave an interview for a television program on Channel 11, saying that the charter draft intends to increase politicians’ ethics and morality which were overlooked in the 1997 Constitution. In addition, he states that the charter draft can be amended after a new government has been formed.

Meanwhile, an academic from the Faculty of Political Science of Thammasat University, Kasian Tejapira (เกษียร เตชะพีระ), disagrees with the 2007 constitution draft as it lowers power of the legislature but raises power of the judiciary, resulting in a government which lacks administrative stability. However, Mr Kasian says some articles of the charter draft are keys to prevent capitalist cronyism.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 17 August 2007

Personally i find it rather unethical to command children out of school to march for the referendum, as shown at the picture Mid has supplied us, and as an be seen almost daily in the streets of Thailand.

[hammered]

so what is going to happen if the no vote carries? - I expect that to be the result.

will the elections still be held toward the end of the year ?

I would be surprised of the charter would be rejected. But supposedly it would end up with that result - there would still be elections, and simply one of the 17 other charters, most likely the last '97 one, with certain amendments by the junta, would be taken.

I personally think it is hard to call the vote. Both sides have a network of influence. One side is alos using money quite liberally while the other controls state resources. It is not like the 2006 election that wasnt where one side controlled the state resources and had all the money and controlled most of the influence.

I would guess the south and probably bangkok will vote yes. The center, and east are hard to call with the mix of rural and urban votes and with different parties having influence although the Junta would probably be happy with a small overall yes. The north is difficult too. It is a Thaksin stronghold but the military have done a lot of work up there during emergencies and the wily Saprang knows the area. The Junta would probably be happy with a slight no and over the moon with a yes. The isaan is about 30% of the electorate and could easily swing a close vote. It is Thaksin heartland and very cheap to buy votes. TRT are probably counting on a big no here and the Junta would be happy with anything close and probably orgasmic with a yes even by one vote. How this all adds up is hard to tell imho. Although all Thai people I talk to say the yes will win I think it is a lot closer and can even see a no win.

As to what exactly TRT are doing it is hard to know. Some speculate that they dont really want a no win but a very close yes vote. That way they get no interruption to the elctoral process and go into the vote buoyant. Others speculate they want to delay the electoral process until they are in a stronger position and so want to see a no win. Certainly the strength of TRT is being assessed by them and their foes in the charter vote and as everyone says things will become clearer after Aug 19.

At the moment I would think that unlike in previous Thai elections few know how things will pan out although I am sure ISOC have a pretty good idea.

[Martin]

The photo of the little girls reminds me of my boyhood when we had mock elections at school whenever there was a General Election.

The art master had us make posters and placards. The way to avoid arguments with others was to make one that said: "Vote as you please, but please vote."

[Jai Dee]

Over a half of eligible voters in BKK to cast ballots in the referendum

President of the Election Commission (EC) in Bangkok Ping Rungsamai (พิง รุ่งสมัย) believes more than a half of eligible voters in Bangkok will exercise their voting rights in the referendum.

A caravan of motorcycles and cars has been released to campaign people to cast their ballots on August 19th referendum, joined by state officials and general public.

Mr. Ping is confident that the number of people casting the ballots will reach a half of 4.6 million eligible voters, adding that frauds have yet been reported.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 17 August 2007

[Mid]

Genuine Question

are we entering the news blackout period or was that just for opinion polls ??

[hammered]

Genuine Question

are we entering the news blackout period or was that just for opinion polls ??

I think and stand to be corrected that there is something about 48 hours and no polls, although ISOC is probably excluded;)

[John K]

The photo of the little girls reminds me of my boyhood when we had mock elections at school whenever there was a General Election.

The art master had us make posters and placards. The way to avoid arguments with others was to make one that said: "Vote as you please, but please vote."

Martin I have to agree with you. I don’t necessarily see this as unethical but more of a lesson in democracy for the young students in the photo.

I too has such an experience in grade school with politics as well as the stock market. Using real life situations to teach is truly the best way because the students can see, interact and formulate their own opinion about things.

[Jai Dee]

EC demonstrates vote casting for the blind

Secretary of the Election Commission Suthiphol Thaweechaikarn (สุทธิพล ทวีชัยการ) presides over a demonstration on how to cast a ballot for the blind. Mr Suthipol also calls on the old political power cliques to stop stirring up the situation.

The secretary says EC is ready to arrange the charter referendum on August 19th and has prepared helicopters, four-wheeled cars, and boats to deliver ballots to and from areas which have been submerged. As for the old political power cliques, the secretary says their campaigns against the charter draft should abide by laws.

Regarding rumors of false referendum results, Mr Suthiphol expresses his confidence that the problem is unlikely to happen as the ballots will be counted at the poll stations.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 17 August 2007

[Jai Dee]

Trat establishes a service center concerning referendum

Trat (ตราด) Standing Committee of People’s Participation in the Constitution Drafting announces the establishment of the provincial center to follow up on matters concerning the national referendum.

Today (August 17th), Mr. Utid Thammakoson (อุทิศ ธรรมโกศล), Deputy President of Trat Standing Committee of People’s Participation in the Constitution Drafting, Mr. Jakkrid Waewkraihong (จักรกฤชณ์ แววคล้ายหงส์), the Secretary, and Mr. Wirathad Srimeung (ศรีเมือง), the Spokesman, have arranged a press conference announcing the establishment.

The center will follow up the referendum and file public complaints about the referendum, as well as reporting the result of the referendum.

People can call for feedbacks and complaints at 039-523270, 24 hours.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 17 August 2007

[Jai Dee]

18 Muslim organizations declare support for draft charter

Eighteen Muslim organizations Friday declared their support for the draft constitution and urged Muslims nationwide to give a Yes vote for the draft.

Representatives of the organizations submitted their letter of support to Chirmsak Pinthong, a member of the Constitution Drafting Assembly at Parliament.

The representatives were led by Samai Charoenchang, chairman of the Bangkok Islamic Committee and Ahamad Khamthetthong, president of the Muslim Communications Association.

Source: The Nation - 17 August 2007

[Jai Dee]

CDC Chairman calls on EC to take legal actions against those wearing T-Shirts “We Vote No”

Chairman of the Constitution Drafting Committee (CDC), Prasong Soonsiri (ประสงค์ สุ่นศิริ), requests the Election Commission (EC) to take legal actions against people campaigning against the charter draft illegally, especially those who wear read t-shirts with a “We Vote No” message.

The CDC chairman discloses that vote buying and distribution of leaflets attacking the charter draft have been rampant during this period. He affirms the “We Vote No” t-shirts are illegal and asks the EC to file charges against those who wear the t-shirt.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 17 August 2007

[Mid]

He affirms the “We Vote No” t-shirts are illegal and asks the EC to file charges against those who wear the t-shirt.

BURMA ..............................

[Jai Dee]

Gen. Sonthi is not worried about referendum issues

The Royal Thai Army Commander-in-Chief and Council for National Security (CNS) Chairman, Gen. Sonthi Boonyaratklin (สนธิ บุญยรัตกลิน), says he is not worried about the 2007 constitution referendum on August 19th. Nevertheless, he has reinstructed officilas to provide maximum security on the referendum day to ensure public safety.

Gen. Sonthi says the Royal Thai Army recently conducted a survey on the referendum and the views of the public. He says the survey reveals that the majority of the respondents would take part in the referendum this Sunday.

He says he has minimal concern over the referendum, but he has reinstructed army officials to coordinate with state agencies in facilitating and protecting the public and state officials at the voting stations.

As for the rally at Sanam Luang (สนามหลวง), Gen. Sonthi believes it will not affect the referendum as the authority has been assigned to monitor the demonstrators' movement and activities.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 17 August 2007

[Jai Dee]

Labour Ministry asks business operators to consider August 20th as holiday for employees

The Ministry of Labour is asking for cooperation for business operators to allow their employees to vote in the 2007 constitution referendum on August 19th.

The Surin (สุรินทร์) Provincial Labour Protection and Welfare Office says the Cabinet has resolved to set August 20th as a national holiday in order to facilitate and encourage people who will be traveling to their homeland to vote in the referendum this Sunday. Thus, travelers do not have to rush to vote, and their trip would be safer.

The Labour Ministry would like business operators to consider August 20th as a national holiday.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 17 August 2007

[Jai Dee]

Many people in Sa Kaeo looking forward to vote in referendum

The Chairman of the Provincial Press Association of Thailand and President of the People’s Network for Election (PNET) of Sa Kaeo (สระแก้ว) province, Mr. Prasit Sangrungruang (ประสิทธิ์ แสงรุ่งเรือง), said he had conversations with the villagers in Sa Kaeo, and many of them were looking forward to vote in the 2007 constitution referendum on August 19th.

Mr. Prasit says PNET handed public relations documents to about 100 volunteers in different areas of the province so they can help explain the 2007 constitution draft and the referendum process to local villagers. He believed that if the referendum in Sa Kaeo was held successfully, it would be because of the close cooperation between PNET, the Election Commission (EC) of Thailand and the provincial authority.

Mr. Prasit said the news on the demonstration of Buddhist monks and vote-buying activities in Sa Kaeo province were only rumors.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 17 August 2007

[Jai Dee]

Students in Phrae urging eligible voters to take part in referendum

More than 2,500 students in Phrae (แพร่) province are campaigning for eligible voters to exercise their right to vote in the 2007 constitution referendum on August 19th. The group students paraded to the four corners of the Municipal of Phrae.

Students, teachers and education personnel from different education institutes in Phrae province jointly held a parade to the four corners of Phrae’s Municipal. They gave out documents on the new charter draft and the referendum process to members of the public in different areas while asking them to vote in the referendum this Sunday from 08:00 to 16:00 hours.

Phrae Governor Athikom Suphanapong (อธิคม สุพรรณพงศ์) presided over the opening of this parade. He said he would like school and university students to encourage their parents, guardians and relatives to exercise their voting right on August 19th, in order to promote democracy in Thailand.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 17 August 2007