Draft Charter Ready For Vote

[Mid]

the obvious problem is that anything anti is taken as pro t ...................

[hammered]

the obvious problem is that anything anti is taken as pro t ...................

True but the very sad reality is today that anyone of any power in the country has pretty much joined either the pro or anti T groupings. It is almost to be in a vaccuum sucked dry of anything to not be in one camp or the other. Unfortunately that leaves no room to consider what may actually be best for the country.

[Jai Dee]

CDC Chairman calls on all sides to monitor protests against charter referendum

The Chairman of the Constitution Drafting Committee (CDC) requests all sides to keep a close watch on groups of people opposing the referendum for the constitution draft. He reveals that most of the protestors operate in the Northeast, North, and some areas in the Central.

CDC Chairman Squadron Leader Prasong Soonsiri (ประสงค์ สุ่นศิริ) says he has no problem over a group of academics who campaigns against the charter draft by attaching a green ribbon to their shirts. However, he says that the academics’ campaign might have a slight effect on the referendum but not on people’s decision whether to approve the draft.

The chairman expresses his confidence that the majority of people have a better understanding of the charter draft and expects that more than 50% of them will come out to vote.

As for organic laws of the constitution, the chairman says they have greatly progressed and CDC is drafting them in line with the three previous constitutions.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 09 July 2007

[Mid]

CDC Chairman calls on all sides to monitor protests against charter referendum

The Chairman of the Constitution Drafting Committee (CDC) requests all sides to keep a close watch on groups of people opposing the referendum for the constitution draft

once again , never let the truth get in the road of a good story .

opposing the referendum and opposing the draft charter are Two different things ..........................

[Jai Dee]

EC Chairman disussed referendum w/ provincial election chiefs

The Election Commission (EC) Chairman, Mr. Apichart Sukhagganond, chaired the meeting of provincial election directors today (Jul 9) to discuss the preparation for the constitution referendum on August 19th, 2007.

Mr. Apichart told the provincial election directors to publicize the constitution referendum impartially and independently. He believes that more than 50 percent of the eligible voters will take part in the referendum. He says the EC is also preparing to print the ballot cards for the referendum in local languages in the South.

The EC Chairman also warns the demonstrators who are against the constitution referendum to be careful of the ways they are protesting as they could be illegal. He says he has not been reported about the army officials who are allegedly compelling public members to accept the new charter draft.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 09 July 2007

[Jai Dee]

PM confers with chiefs of EC, P-Net on general election

Prime Minister Gen. Surayud Chulanont said he had invited the heads of the Election Commission (EC) and the People's Network for Elections (P-NET) for discussions Monday on how to organise Thailand's upcoming general election in a transparent way.

Speaking to journalists, Gen. Surayud said he had asked EC chairman Apichart Sukhagganond and Gen. Saiyud Kerdpol, chairman of P-NET, an independent election watchdog, for talks at Government House on preparations for organising the election and on holding national referendum for the draft constitution.

Reiterating that the election date can only be fixed after the draft charter is confirmed by national referendum, tentatively set for August 19, Gen. Surayud dismissed charges by ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra that provincial governors would be punished if the draft constitution is not approved. The prime minister said his government had never threatened anyone and was always ready to listen to others' opinions.

Gen. Surayud said his government did not have to launch many campaigns because the majority of Thais hoped that the election would be held late this year.

The government has tentatively set the election for November 25 at earliest, or on December 16 or 23.

Source: TNA - 09 July 2007

[Jai Dee]

EC believes military figures will not interfere in public opinion survey

The Election Commission of Thailand believes that military figures will not interfere in the public opinion survey process.

The Chairman fo the Election Commission of Thailand, Mr. Apichat Sukatkanon (อภิชาต สุขัคคานนท์ ), addressed rumors of possible intervention in the public referendum process by military figures. He said that he has no received the full details of these rumors, but is certain that the military does not aim to influence public opinion. Mr. Apichat said that the public was free to decide on whether to participate in the public opinion survey and the government will not intervene in the decisions of citizens.

The EC Chairman said that opposition campaign against the 2007 constitution or distortion of constitution contents are crimes, though no such actions have been reported. Mr. Apichat said that officials would consider proposals that some published 2007 constitution draft be printed in the southern dialect in order to create better understanding among southern residents.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 09 July 2007

[Mid]

EC believes military figures will not interfere in public opinion survey

They already have ...........................

[hammered]

EC believes military figures will not interfere in public opinion survey

The Election Commission of Thailand believes that military figures will not interfere in the public opinion survey process.

The Chairman fo the Election Commission of Thailand, Mr. Apichat Sukatkanon (อภิชาต สุขัคคานนท์ ), addressed rumors of possible intervention in the public referendum process by military figures. He said that he has no received the full details of these rumors, but is certain that the military does not aim to influence public opinion. Mr. Apichat said that the public was free to decide on whether to participate in the public opinion survey and the government will not intervene in the decisions of citizens.

The EC Chairman said that opposition campaign against the 2007 constitution or distortion of constitution contents are crimes, though no such actions have been reported. Mr. Apichat said that officials would consider proposals that some published 2007 constitution draft be printed in the southern dialect in order to create better understanding among southern residents.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 09 July 2007

Have they dropped the rather undemocratic principle of forcing everyone to vote then? That was introduced either in the 97 consty or through one of the laws associated with it.

[Mid]

Constitutionalism under serious threat, new publication warns

the Asian Legal Resource Centre (ALRC)

09 July 2007

(Hong Kong, July 9, 2007) A new publication by the Asian Legal Resource Centre (ALRC) documents the "serious threat" facing constitutionalism in Thailand under the September 19 coup group.

The 68-page special edition of the bimonthly periodical article 2 describes the future of constitutional rule there as being in serious jeopardy as a consequence of the latest military takeover.

prachatai.com

been some busy boys in HK lately ...........................

[Jai Dee]

Democrat and Chart Thai leaders reveal stances on charter draft

The former opposition parties, the Democrat and Chart Thai Parties, have expressed their stances on the new constitution draft. Both parties also reiterate strong support for democracy in Thailand.

Democrat leader Abhisit Vejjajiva and Chart Thai leader Banharn Silpa-archa conducted a joint press conference yesterday (Jul 9). They both agree that the new charter draft will be essential to the country’s welfare even though they pointed out a number of flaws in certain articles. The two party leaders also agree that the general election need to be held as soon as possible to resolve Thailand's political situation.

Mr. Abhisit and Mr. Banharn believe the demonstration groups have the right to protest against the new charter draft, but confrontation and violence should not be avoided. Mr. Banharn believes that the demonstration led by former Thai Rak Thai members will not ease the country’s political situation, and it will not affect former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra’s decision to return to Thailand.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 10 July 2007

[Jai Dee]

Government targets high number of voters in general election

The interim government has reiterated its intention to promote the general election in Thailand.

The Government Spokesman, Army Captain Yongyuth Maiyalarp, gave a report after the meeting between Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont and Election Commission (EC) Chairman Apichart Sukhagganond and People’s Network for Elections in Thailand (P-Net) Chairman Saiyud Kerdphol. The Government Spokesman said the meeting did not discuss the general election date, but the top officials talked about the campaigns for promoting people to take part in the constitution referendum.

According to the meeting, the P-NET will work as an investigation body and will cooperate with the EC. Gen. Saiyud views that three elements would bring about fair and transparent election, and they are the EC’s role of EC, the involvement of private organizations, and the politicians’ stances.

Army Captain Yongyuth said the Prime Minister prefers for the cooperation between relevant units to continue until the general election has been held. At the same time, the government will provide financial support to the EC, if needed. The EC currently has 40 million baht to organize public relations campaigns.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 10 July 2007

[Jai Dee]

EC Chairman says general election would not be delayed to 2008

Election Commission (EC) Chairman Apichart Sukhagganond insists that the general election will not be postponed to next year. He says members of the public may approve or reject the charter draft, but state officials must stay neutral.

Mr. Apichart had a meeting with Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont at the Government House yesterday (Jul 9). They discussed the government’s collaboration with the private sector in conducting the constitution referendum. They also touched on the general election date, scheduled on December 16th or December 23rd this year, as it could be too closed with the royal celebration period.

Mr. Apichart said the campaigns to clarify the constitution draft to the public could be done as long as they will not create misunderstandings or biases. However, the EC Chairman viewed that the EC members would be responsible for analyzing them as authorized by the Public Hearing Act. According to this act, government officials must act impartially.

Meanwhile, the People’s Network for Election in Thailand (P-NET) Chairman, Gen. Saiyud Kerdphol, and P-NET Coordinator Somchai Srisuthiyakorn have proposed the EC for a budget of 12 million baht to start the cooperative investigation plan for the constitution referendum. The proposal has been submitted to EC member Sumeth Aubpanisakorn, who discloses that the government has allocated 40 million baht to promote the referendum. Mr. Sumeth says he would forward the proposal at the EC meeting.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 10 July 2007

[Jai Dee]

CNS assures no inteference with referendum

The Council for National Security (CNS) held a meeting yesterday, and insists that it will not influence people to accept the charter draft during the constitution referendum on August 19th, 2007.

CNS Spokesman Sansern Kaewkamnerd says the CNS has clearly expressed its standpoint by stating that it will not persuade public members to approve the 2007 charter draft, but it will help explain the details of the charter to them. The CNS will also campaign for people to participate in the constitution referendum.

Col. Sansern asserts that the CNS is not behind the charter writers as alleged, but the content has been written by the people from many different professions. He says the drafters have been properly selected.

The CNS Spokesman says the CNS is confident that the 19 million people who have supported the disbanded Thai Rak Thai Party will not shun the constitution draft as they do understand the actual political situation of the country.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 10 July 2007

[Mid]

CNS assures no inteference with referendum

I'll say it again ....

They already have ....................................

[hammered]

CNS assures no inteference with referendum

I'll say it again ....

They already have ....................................

Anyone who can interfere with the referendum will. The one thing we can know for sure is the vote wont be about what is in the charter.

[Mid]

Anti-coup groups to educate Election Commissioners on 'Democracy'

Prachatai

10 July 2007

Midnight University--a group of academics based in Chiang Mai, together with the Sept 19 Network Against Coup d'etat and the Students Federation of Thailand will hold a special lecture right in front of the Election Commission headquarters in Bangkok on Wednesday July 11 at 1pm.

"It is obvious that state authorities including committees installed by the junta lack understanding about power relationship in Democracy as well as the rights to freedom of speech. So we want to educate them, in particular the Election Commissioners (EC)," the Midnight University said in its press release.

Prachatai.com

Yes .............

[Mid]

Publicity blitz to counter moves to reject new charter

Wed, July 11, 2007 : Last updated 9:28 am

A blueprint for a publicity blitz aimed at winning public support for the new charter has been agreed by the 100-member Constitution Drafting Assembly, which concluded a two-day seminar yesterday.

"The CDA will mobilise every media outlet to explain the new constitution to voters," said public relations committee spokesman Sakchai Ounjitkul.

nationmultimedia.com

[Jai Dee]

EC Chairman is not concerned over constitution referendum in the South

Election Commission (EC) Chairman Apichart Sukhagganond says he is not worried about the constitution referendum in the southern region of Thailand.

Mr. Apichart presided over the workshop for the local EC officials to improve their investigation methods. The workshop was held in Hat Yai district of Songkhla province. On this occasion, the EC Chairman says the 2007 constitution referendum in the southern region should be carried out successfully as he is confident that the southerners are keen on politics and have a good understanding on this issue. He says no additional regulations will be imposed, and the referendum in the South will be conducted normally as other regions.

He says the government wants at least 50 percent of the Thai population to take part in the 2007 constitution referendum on August 19th, 2007.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 11 July 2007

[Jai Dee]

EC in Ayutthaya wants youths to help convince adults to join referendum

The Election Commission (EC) Office in Ayutthaya province is campaigning for youths to urge their parents and guardians to join the 2007 constitution referendum on August 19th.

Mr. Attapol Pongkittiroj, the EC chief in Ayutthaya, presided over the opening of the Youth Camp for Democracy project. He says the EC Office and the Education Service Area Office in Ayutthaya are jointly organizing this project. He says the project will educate 120 students about political issues and democracy, and they will share their knowledge with the local people in their areas.

Mr. Attapol says he is worried that few people will join the constitution referendum in Ayutthaya and is also concerned that a third party will mislead them to disapprove the charter draft. Therefore, he would like youths in the province to be an important force in encouraging their parents and guardians to take part in the constitution referendum. Mr. Attapol believes young people will be able to convince the adults more effectively.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 11 July 2007

[Jai Dee]

CNS Chairman not concerned over TRT attempts to overthrow 2007 constitution

The Chairman of the Council for National Security affirms that he is not worried over attempts to overturn the 2007 constitutional draft by former members of the Thai Rak Thai Party.

Army Commander in Chief and Chairman of the Council for National Security Gen Sonthi Boonyaratglin reports that the Council for National Security and himself are not concerned over attempts to derail the constitutional drafting process by former members of the Thai Rak Thai Party. Gen Sonthi expressed his confidence that the public understand the nation's political situation and wish to see conflicts resolved.

Gen Sonthi also believed that the government will be able to reach the a majority of citizens in providing information on the 2007 constitution's contents. The CNS Chairman added that the new constitution will provide greater freedom to the media and the public.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 11 July 2007

[Jai Dee]

CNS Chairman says 2007 charter draft is better than previous charters

The Royal Thai Army Commander-in-Chief and Council for National Security (CNS) Chairman, Gen. Sonthi Boonyaratglin, says the 2007 constitution draft is better than the previous charters because public members have truly examined it.

Gen. Sonthi says if the constitution referendum has approved the charter draft during the 2007 constitution referendum, the general election could then be held within the end of this year and Thailand’s democracy would be more complete. However, Gen. Sonthi says the problems still lie with politicians and public members. Therefore, he would like people to vote for good and honest politicians to administer Thailand because the country already has a good foundation.

The CNS Chairman asserts that he would sacrifice himself for the good of the country, and he wants to see the Royal Thai Army protect national resources.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 11 July 2007

[Mid]

says the 2007 constitution draft is better than the previous charters because public members have truly examined it.

bloody cleaver since they haven't got copies yet ...............................................

######## ( self censored ) are all tared with the same brush , what a wasted opportunity the coup is ,

no , not surprised.

Edited July 11, 2007 by Mid

[Mid]

Thailand on Spin Cycle

Daniel Ten Kate

11 July 2007

As Thailand’s constitutional referendum campaign kicks off, the military rulers are doing all they can to make sure it passes.

snip

So far, public education on the referendum has mainly consisted of government officials, soldiers and even election commissioners all telling the public to approve the constitution and urging coup opponents to keep quiet or risk jail time. The military-appointed premier Surayud Chulanont has told government ministers to “raise public awareness” about the new constitution, while warning that those who campaign against it may be breaking the law.

snip

asiasentinel.com

as noted , the military are not equipped for elections ...............................

[Jai Dee]

More than 70% of BKK residents have not reviewed 2007 constitutional draft

The Ramkhamhaeng Poll has found that more than 70 percent of Bangkok city residents have not reviewed the 2007 constitutional draft.

The Public Referendum Center, Political Science Faculty of Ramkhamhaeng University conducted a survey on the opinions of Bangkok city residents towards the 2007 public opinion survey for the new constitution. 1,375 people were surveyed, with 73.7 percent of respondents admitting they have not reviewd the 2007 constitutional draft, 60 percent of respondents not certain as to whether they will be participating in the public opinion survey on August 19th, and 53.5 percent of respondents supporting the constitutional draft.

48.4 percent of respondents were not aware that the public opinion survey will be held on August 19th, while 62.7 percent of respondents have been informed that the government is organizing the public opinion survey for the first time.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 12 July 2007

[Jai Dee]

CDA Deputy Chairman says urging people to approve charter draft is not wrong

Constitution Drafting Assembly (CDA) Deputy Chairman Seri Suwannapanont says encouraging the general public to accept the 2007 charter draft during the constitution referendum on August 19th this year is deemed appropriate.

Mr. Seri says it is normal for the constitution drafters to think that this charter draft is better than the previous charters, and he therefore believes the CDA’s advertisements on print media are not wrongful. He says further that it is a fact that the general election can be held if the public has approved the constitution draft.

However, the CDA Deputy Chairman says he wants people to study the details of the 2007 constitution draft rather than listening to the demonstrators who are protesting against the draft as it would delay the general election date.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 12 July 2007

[Jai Dee]

Supreme Commander says it is normal for 60 million Thais to have different opinions regarding the charter draft

Gen. Boonsrang Niumpradit, the Supreme Commander, says it is normal for approximately 60 million Thai people to have different opinions since the constitution draft has many sections to consider.

Gen. Boonsrang says Thai people are well-known for determining what to accept and what to refuse. Nevertheless, he advises people to consider the draft in the big picture.

The Supreme Commander says he has not discussed Council for National Security (CNS) Chairman Sonthi Boonyaratglin’s plan to enter politics following his retirement with other CNS members yet. However, Gen. Boonsrang says Gen. Sonthi has the right to make such decision.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 12 July 2007

[Mid]

More than 70% of BKK residents have not reviewed 2007 constitutional draft

the surprise is the 30% who claim to have done so ,

considering the draft has not been released to the public yet .

<deleted> .

[Mid]

Draft charter to be mailed to all homes

July 12, 2007 : Last updated 07:11 pm

Thailand Post started distributing copies of the draft constitution yesterday to almost 20 million families nationwide, as part of plans to publicise the public referendum on the new charter.

Copies of the draft have been sent to 13 post centres for disฌtribution to 1,178 state post offices, and 3,370 privately run postal outlets across the counฌtry for delivery to all homes by 8,000 postmen.

Ballots will be distributed to voters in 927 districts from August 115 for the referendum, being held on August 19.

The Nation

[LaoPo]

Draft charter to be mailed to all homes

July 12, 2007 : Last updated 07:11 pm

Thailand Post started distributing copies of the draft constitution yesterday to almost 20 million families nationwide, as part of plans to publicise the public referendum on the new charter.

Copies of the draft have been sent to 13 post centres for disฌtribution to 1,178 state post offices, and 3,370 privately run postal outlets across the counฌtry for delivery to all homes by 8,000 postmen.

Ballots will be distributed to voters in 927 districts from August 115 for the referendum, being held on August 19.

The Nation

How nice...

The problem is, I fear, that most non-educated poor Thai are unable to implement the content of the draft, let alone to be able to 'read' it, due to the complicated 'political' kind of language used.

I read the English version a bit but left me with a headache...

The key issue is that Thailand is on the way down (of democracy) and that's much more serious than the T-era.

LaoPo