Draft Charter Ready For Vote

[Jai Dee]

Pattani province prepares security measures for public referendum

Pattani province is preparing security personnel to ensure the safety of voters during the public referendum.

Constitution Drafting Assembly (CDA) member Anusart Suvarnamongkhol (อนุศาสน์ สุวรรณมงคล), conducted a public relations campaign to encourage local residents of Pattani province to participate in the public referendum. Mr. Anusas said that voting ballots written in both the Thai and Melayu language have been sent to 772 voting stations throughout the province. Television coverage of the August 19th public referendum will also be broadcasted on local channels.

Mr. Anusart revealed that security preparations for the public referendum are in place, especially in Nong Chik (หนองจิก ) district, which authorities believe is one of three districts being targeted by insurgents. Military troops. police officers, and administrative officials conducted a deployment of local security forces in order to ensure 24 hour security in high risk areas.

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

[Mid]

Referendum Rally in South Pattaya.

Friday 17th August 2007

snip

On Sunday, the Referendum will take place, which could see Thailand enter the Guinness Book of Records for holding the world's first referendum to pass a constitution after giving the population less than a month to prepare for it.

snip

pattayacitynews.net

[Mid]

Thais face long wait for democracy to return, whichever way referendum goes

Connie Levett

August 18, 2007

THAILAND goes to the polls tomorrow in a referendum that will shape the country's return to democratic rule - but a "yes" vote could take it back to an outdated quasi-democratic solution.

snip

smh.com.au

......... ........... ...............

New Thai constitution would strengthen role of the military

By Seth Mydans Published: August 17, 2007

Campaigners handing out leaflets to policemen during a rally urging people to vote in the constitutional referendum Sunday. (Chaiwat Subprasom/Reuters)

BANGKOK: Thailand takes another step into its uncertain future Sunday with a nationwide referendum on a new constitution that analysts say is likely to weaken democratic processes and return power to traditional centers of authority.

snip

iht.com

[Jai Dee]

PM admits uncertainty over whether voters will approve of 2007 constitution

The Prime Minister admitted that he was uncertain over whether voters would approve of the 2007 constitution during the public referendum.

Prime Minister Gen. Surayud Chulanont (สุรยุทธ์ จุลานนท์) reports that the government is urging the National Legislative Assembly to expedite revised regulations which will allow for political parties to participate in political acitivites and for new political parties to be established. Gen. Surayud admitted that he was uncertain over whether the majority of voters will approve or oppose the 2007 constitution during the August 19th public referendum.

The Prime Minister said that the goverment will await the public referendum outcome before deciding on a further course of action. Gen. Surayud expressed his confidence that the government will be capable of holding general elections at the end of the year. An earlier constitution may have to be revised and enacted as the new constitution if voters turn down the 2007 charter.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 18 August 2007

[jumnien]

Let me get this straight, the Thai voters can either accept the military's new constitution or the military will revise an earlier constitution. What a choice?

[Jai Dee]

Lampang officials report movements to overthrow 2007 constitution

The Lampang Public Relations Office reports that unknown groups are distributing flyers to local residents containing messages aimed at overthrowing the 2007 constitution.

Lampang Public Relations officers report that flyers are being distributed via local postage with messages directing provincial residents to overthrow the 2007 constitution. Officials believe that the flyers are in direct violation of the Public Referendum Act of 2007, which stipulates that any attempt to guide or direct voters to oppose or support the public referendum is a criminal offence and persons engaging in such acts are liable for prosecution by local authorities.

Local Lampang residents are urged to report any attempts to buy votes or influence the voting process to District Chief officers or police officers.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 18 August 2007

[Jai Dee]

Democrat Party : Present Charter Draft contains more advantages than previous charters

Leader of the Democrat Party Abhisit Vejjajiva (อภิสิทธิ์ เวชชาชีวะ) indicates that there are more advantages in the present charter if compared to previous ones.

In his delivery speech at the 2007 Constitution and Thailand’s political direction, Chiang Mai (เชียงใหม่) University, Mr. Abhisit said that although there is no perfect charter draft, the presented amended version will bring out more positve attributes to society, an element vital to development of democracy.

The charter draft gives more rights to people in scrutinizing the government’s authority.

Mr. Abhisit also reminded all to keep an eye on frauds in the referendum.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 18 August 2007

[Jai Dee]

CNS Chairman express concerns over movements to overthrow constitution

The Chairman of the Council for National Security is coordinating with the Election Commission of Thailand in monitoring for movements to overthrow the 2007 constitution.

Army Commander in Chief and CNS Chairman Gen. Sonthi Boonyaratglin (สนธิ บุญยรัตกลิน) expressed his concern over movements to overthrow the 2007 constitution by several political elements. Gen. Sonthi revealed that he is coordinating with the Election Commission of Thailand in monitoring for political movements during this period. He affirms that any political acts which violated the law will be investigated immediately.

The CNS Chairman added that the Royal Thai Army will be using its public relation channels to provide information in order to increase the understanding of voters regarding the 2007 constitution.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 18 August 2007

[Jai Dee]

Mr. Thirapat confident public referendum will proceed smoothly

The Minister to the Prime Minister's Office believes that the August 19th public referendum will proceed smoothly with no corruption involved.

Minister to the Prime Minister's Office Thirapat Serirangsan (ธีรภัทร์ เสรีรังสรรค์) conducted a public relations campaign for the public referendum on Silom road today. The minister expressed his confidence that the August 19th referendum will proceed smoothly with no involvement of corruption. Mr. Thirapat said that the public should use their own discretion when voting for or against the 2007 charter. He urged voters to not be swayed by movements to overthrow the constituton.

The Minister to the Prime Minister's Office added that the government will not intervene in the public referendum process as the Election Commission of Thailand is responsible for handling the matter.

Mr. Thirapat added that the public should trust in the Election Commission's impartiality and integrity.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 18 August 2007

[stumonster]

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.

Source: The Nation - 17 August 2007

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.

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

violation of the Public Referendum Act of 2007, which stipulates that any attempt to guide or direct voters to oppose or support the public referendum is a criminal offence

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 18 August 2007

[Jai Dee]

PM expects the referendum will lead the important change of the nation

Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont expects that the 2007 constitution referendum tomorrow (August 19th) will go smoothly, and he considers the event as an important change to Thailand's politics.

Gen. Surayud has encouraged people to take part in improving the country's political situation by casting their ballots in Thailand’s first referendum. Meanwhile, he has expressed his willingness to consider ideas proposed from all sides wheter or not they support or oppose the new constitution draft.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 18 August 2007

[Jai Dee]

EC prepares for referendum

The Election Commission (EC) prepares for the 2007 constitution referendum tomorrow (August 19th). Meanwhile, it believes that over 50% of eligible voters will exercise their voting right in the referendum.

Election Commissioner Sodsri Satayathum (สดศรี สัตยธรรม) informs that all booths used for casting ballots are ready for the August 19th referendum. She says the flood-hit booths have been moved to safer areas.

As for groups trying to undermine the new charter draft, the EC is searching for the figures behind the scene. The EC will inspect the referendum booths in different areas on August 18th as well.

The EC believes that violent situations will not take place in the last day of the referendum campaign.

The unofficial result of the referendum is expected to be disclosed within tomorrow. People can inform frauds at 1171 hotline service.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 18 August 2007

[Mid]

Thailand holding referendum on 18th constitution, designed to curb politicians

18.08.2007 11:09:50

BANGKOK, Thailand (AP) - Moving back toward democracy after last year's coup, Thailand will hold its first-ever national referendum Sunday to choose a new constitution.

But the choice is limited to voting yes or no on a charter designed to curb the power of politicians.

snip

(live-PR.com)

Democracy

: a government in which the supreme power is vested in the people and exercised by them directly or indirectly through a system of representation usually involving periodically held free elections

m-w.com

Reactive , limit the peoples participation .

Proactive , educate the voters .

[LaoPo]

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.

Source: The Nation - 17 August 2007

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.

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

violation of the Public Referendum Act of 2007, which stipulates that any attempt to guide or direct voters to oppose or support the public referendum is a criminal offence

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 18 August 2007

I fully agree with your observations.

Thai democracy at it's finest

LaoPo

[Mid]

Anti-charter group release 1,000 balloons

Key leaders and supporters of the United Front of Democracy Against Dictatorship (UDD) released 1,000 red balloons at Democracy Monument on Saturday afternoon to call on voters to reject a draft charter at a referendum on Sunday.

Hundreds of UDD supporters wearing red t-shirts with message "We Vote No" gathered at the monument in their latest effort to sway voters a day before the referendum.

snip

(BangkokPost.com)

[Mid]

Choose without fears for the economy, Kosit urges

Published on August 19, 2007

Deputy Prime Minister and Industry Minister Kosit Panpiemras yesterday urged the public to vote on the charter today with a free conscience, as the referendum outcome would not derail the economy from its 4-per-cent growth path.

snip

nationmultimedia.com

[marshbags]

The Nation Sun, August 19, 2007 : Last updated 0:10

Ref. url:-

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2007/08/19...on_30045571.php

Sidelines: Let's see Thaksin's hidden skills in the art of war

Eligible Thai voters will exercise their rights in a much-hyped referendum today following weeks of suspense, doubt and uncertainty over the contest to either accept or reject the constitution of 2007. Published on August 19, 2007

One would be overly optimistic to expect fair play, a clean sweep and a lack of protest over dirty tricks and low blows. This is Thai politics, and big money is always an essential factor in the results.

Voters will have their first taste of a referendum, which they regard as an unnecessary political ritual involving a complex issue which requires a lot of reading and attention. Most Thais cannot claim excellence in serious reading and thinking.

In a way, the referendum will be a real test of the political strength and popularity of Thaksin Shinawatra, now living in self-imposed exile in London, with his status having changed from an ex-premier to a fugitive criminal, together with his wife and children.

The crafty side should win. As of now, most people believe that it will be plain sailing for the "yes" side despite the high number of undecided in the run-up to the polls.

The results nationwide should be known by midnight, officially or otherwise. What's more, the government and the military leadership do not expect to be defeated in this fight and lose face to Thaksin and his supporters.

Will it be a lopsided win? The votes do not matter. What Thaksin and his family are concerned with right now is the change of their status from wealthy common people in forced exile to fugitive criminals with two arrest warrants out and several more to follow.

Thailand is seeking extradition for the two and others to stand trial here. Thaksin and his lawyers argue, quite ridiculously, that it would not be a fair fight because the investigations looking into their high crimes and corruption are the product of the coup-makers.

Just as their supporters argue that the draft charter is the inedible fruit of a poisonous tree, these lawyers argue that the legal system here would be influenced by the powers that be.

Thaksin and his cronies exercised a double standard when they filed a case against the Assets Examination Commission seeking billions of baht in damages, among other cases. They are selective in placing trust in the court system only when it suits their purposes.

Seeking Thaksin's extradition is difficult, if not impossible. Surely it's not worth the many types of trouble, which are expected to arise if the government succeeds in bringing Thaksin back home.

Let's imagine the horror if Thaksin were to step down from an aeroplane here. How many supporters, paid, mobilised or acting out of blind faith, would be at the airport to give him a rousing welcome like a hero? Big money would surely be spent on a tear-jerker, making the fugitive look more like a saint being crucified.

Then law-enforcement authorities would have to deal with daily demonstrations, rallies, distribution of leaflets and mob pressure during the court process. Anti-riot and other security units would have to be burdened with work. The government would find it difficult to function or enforce law and order.

It would be wise to bring the battle, or battles, to London for Thaksin to get the full blaze of publicity he always seeks. Of course, this would be a costly affair, millions of pounds sterling for the best legal team from top-notch law firms. The government would have to match Thaksin in terms of money spent.

Ah! The government has frozen the assets of Thaksin: they at least would be the prize of legal victory, no matter how many years it took in long-running legal battles.

The extradition attempt would be a wasteful exercise. It would be far more forceful and have a stronger impact if charges involving extrajudicial killings, violations of human rights and money-laundering were to serve as the icing on the cake comprising other corruption charges.

The Human rights issue for my money is a banker in the U.K. to get the attention and support of it,s citizens and in turn the full support of those in government.

If the legal battle were taken to London, Thaksin would then feel the heat and pressure from negative publicity. The government could highlight a number of issues through experienced PR firms to let the British people know that the person who has passed the "fit and proper person" test for owning Manchester City is nothing like the man they thought he was.

With the involvement of human-rights groups and the full blaze of publicity from British tabloids, Thaksin might realise that it was indeed a miscalculation to purchase a Premier League football team. There is a difference between Thaksin in exile and Thaksin as the owner of a football club.

Sadly i think that Man. City supporters will become yet more innocent bystanders who have become canon fodder in the quest for Thaksin to gain phoney respectability and a self enriching status.

" No offence intended towards the fans in adding this observation by the way. "

Pressure will have to be brought to bear on him. He cannot expect a huge rally to support him and put pressure on the courts, as he could in Thailand. He would learn fast, if not through his high-priced lawyers, that bribery attempts to twist legal outcomes, such as he became familiar with in Bangkok, were next to impossible.

If a legal battle in London is not enough, we can always take some action at the International Criminal Court in The Hague over extrajudicial killings. Relatives of the victims of the dirty drug war would not be hard to find to attract media attention. Let the legal systems in London and The Hague decide the fate of this man with dubious wealth and character.

We need able hands to deal with these issues, not amateurish exercises like the way in which the cases against Rakesh Saxena and Pin Chakkaphak, who share the same status with Thaksin, were handled.

And the last doubt remains with the Surayud government and whether anything substantive can be achieved before his departure to enjoy his home and a plush golf course in the suburbs. Or is the issue politics - the Thai way - as usual?

Sopon Onkgara

Apologies if this article has already been posted in another thread and i,ve missed it.

marshbags

Edited August 19, 2007 by marshbags

[Mid]

and away we go ...................................

Thaksin's daughter casts vote in Bang Plad

August 19, 2007 : Last updated 10:16 am

Paethongtan, a daughter of former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, cast her vote at a polling station in Pimolvit School on Charansanitwong in Bang Plad district.

She arrived with Banaphot Damapong, a brother-in-law of Thaksin, and some four aides.

They arrived at the 15th polling station at 9:38 am.

Donned in black dress and wearing sunglasses, Paethongtan apparently tried to evade reporters after the vote.

When asked what her father left any message to Thai people, she replied briefly that Thaksin "misses Thailand a lot".

The Nation

Edited August 19, 2007 by Mid

[Mid]

Woman in "We vote No" t-shirt votes in Bang Plad

August 19, 2007 : Last updated 10:04 am

A woman donned in "We vote No" red t-shirt cast her vote at a polling station at Pimolvit School in Bang Plad district at 9:20 am.

The woman, who appears in her 40s, came alone and left immediately after casting her vote.

The Nation

[Mid]

Prem votes at Dusit district office

August 19, 2007 : Last updated 09:49 am

Privy Council President Prem Tinsulanonda cast his vote at the Dusit district office at 8 am.

Many voters thronged to polling stations at the district office to cast their vote.

Speaking to reporters after casting his vote, Prem said the national referendum was only the beginning and the next step would be an election.

He said Thais people should put aside mistrust and should join force to bring country to the next clean and fair election.

The Nation

[Mid]

Education minister casts vote in Nonthaburi

August 19, 2007 : Last updated 09:38 am

Education Minister Wijit Srisa-arn cast his vote in Nonthaburi at 8 am.

Wijit cast the vote at a polling station in Wat Phasuk School in Pak Kret district.

The Nation

[Mid]

Jaral casts his vote

August 19, 2007 : Last updated 09:34 am

Jaral Phakdeethanakul, permanent secretary for Justice Ministry, cast his vote in the national referendum at Sattree Woranart School in Chatuchak district at 8 am.

There are four polling stations at the school and most voters who arrived early to vote appeared to be aged people.

The Nation

.............. ............ .............

Prasong votes in Sathon

August 19, 2007 : Last updated 09:30 am

Prasong Soonsiri chairman of the Constitution Drafting Committee, cast his vote at the 24th polling station in Sathon district at 8:10 am.

He checked his name and found that he was ranked 439 on the list of voters at the polling station.

After casting the vote, he encouraged voters nationwide to come out to determine the future of the country.

The Nation

....... ........... .............

and last be not least ,

PM to vote at 11 am

August 19, 2007 : Last updated 09:27 am

Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont will cast his vote in the national referendum at the 26th polling station on Soi Pibulwattana in Phayathai district at 11 am.

The prime minister is scheduled to go on air at Channel 11 at 4 pm to thank voters nationwide for taking part in the referendum.

The Nation

Edited August 19, 2007 by Mid

[Mid]

EC asks police to take action against vote buying in Buri Ram

Sun, August 19, 2007 : Last updated 14:12 hours

Election Commission has asked police to take legal action against a former Buri Ram MP of now dissolved Thai Rak Thai party for handing out money and encouraging voters to vote no on the draft charter, a senior police said Sunday.

Sophon Saram, a former TRT MP, was alleged of giving Bt200 to each voter in Buri Ram to vote against the charter, Pol Col Jarungvit Pumma, in charge of investigating vote buying.

snip

nationmultimedia.com

Edited August 19, 2007 by Mid

[Maxi101]

May somebody tell me, if the majority (only if .. ) they vote No, will the outcome be a No then ?

Who controls that?

[hammered]

May somebody tell me, if the majority (only if .. ) they vote No, will the outcome be a No then ?

Who controls that?

If the majority vote no then the charter falls and one of the previous ones must be selected by the CNS and ammeneded if they want.

I seriously doubt that there will be any vote box stuffing or anyone would actually suggest it. I havent heard of anything like that before this election. It is actually hard to fix an election with paper ballots when the result comes out so quick and is actually quite publically counted and displayed on TV. There were admittedly rumors concerning numbers that didnt make sense at the 2006 election but these were never more than rumors. It is a lot easier to fix an election money, influence, scare tactics etc ahead of the vote.

[Mid]

TRT suspects an election fraud is planned

Sun, August 19, 2007 : Last updated 16:28 hours

Surapong Suebwonglee, a key member of the Thai Rak Thai group, Sunday urges the Election Commission to scrutinise into a complaint that only 80 per cent of all ballots are delivered to polling units nationwide.

He suspects if there will be an attempt to cheat the result of vote count by adding the rest of 20 per cent already marked in the "Yes" box after the voting is closed.

TRT supporters will keep an eye on the alleged attempt in a number of areas.

nationmultimedia.com

[Mid]

supposedly they don't exist , exit polls that is ...............

Constitution passed according to exit poll

August 19, 2007 : Last updated 04:28 pm

The draft constitution was passed with overwhelming 67.94 per cent according to exit poll carried out by Suan Dusit pollster.

Suan Dusit said it surveyed 20,237 voters around the country and found that 67.94 per cent of the surveyed voters endorsed the draft while the remaining 32.06 per cent voted against the draft.

The Nation

Edited August 19, 2007 by Mid

[Mid]

Sonthi casts vote in Lopburi, declines to rule out coup

August 19, 2007 : Last updated 03:12 pm

Gen Sonthi Boonyaratglin, chairman of the Council for National Security, cast his vote in the national referendum in Lop Buri's Muang district at 9:30 am.

Sonthi said he was happy to see a lot of people come out to exercise their voting right.

When asked whether the military would topple the constitution again in the future, Sonthi said it would depend on future administrations.

"If the future government runs the country with patriotism and integrity, no one will topple the constitution again. So, I rest my hope on how the people will select the future governments," Sonthi said.

The Nation

[marshbags]

EC asks police to take action against vote buying in Buri Ram

Sun, August 19, 2007 : Last updated 14:12 hours

Election Commission has asked police to take legal action against a former Buri Ram MP of now dissolved Thai Rak Thai party for handing out money and encouraging voters to vote no on the draft charter, a senior police said Sunday.

Sophon Saram, a former TRT MP, was alleged of giving Bt200 to each voter in Buri Ram to vote against the charter, Pol Col Jarungvit Pumma, in charge of investigating vote buying.

snip

nationmultimedia.com

O.K. Mid, i,m up for it in your mode.

10.35 approx. we had an ex retired police officer ??????? visit my home for one of his usual requests for me to correct a speech he has to deliver at a local Thai / foreigner wedding.

When told i was out he then went on to ask if she had voted, Not Yet she replied.

If you go you have to vote no or not go at all.

It,s not your business how i vote, let him know in Thai terms she was not happy with his attempted interference and not to insult her intelligence, she replied

Turned her back on him and walked back into the house leaving him speechless.

He didn,t know what to do so started his M.Bike and f***ed off.

My neighbour passed on this news in broken Enlish and hand signals when i came home and was well amused by it all.

11.15 approx. my wife and 3 of her teacher neighbours went to vote and i cannot reveal their decision, only that it started with a " Y "

The voting place was empty with not much happening regarding voters doing their bit, but plenty of red "t " shirts scattered about the place.

It,s unusually quiet in our Soi which is really weird owing to the fact that most are at home.

Seems the old TRT guard and their local Moo Ban Sheriffs have done their job and no doubt received the usual rewards.

marshbags

An observer currently residing in Udonthani, N.E. Thailand.

P.S.

He,d better not bother calling again for assistance cause he,s got N.F.C. the ar** H***

Also my little old wifee is very angry and wound up by what she terms as insulting her education.

She speaks good English and explained what had happened and after me reading Mids reports, gave me the approx timings.

Edited August 19, 2007 by marshbags

[Mid]

http://202.60.199.51/en/

Link will take you to LIVE updates

Edited August 19, 2007 by Mid