Draft Charter Ready For Vote

[jbowman1993]

Democrat Party leader believes government campaign to promote public participation in constitution drafting is necessary

The Democrat Party leader believes that campaigns to promote public participation in the constitution drafting process are beneficial to the nation.

Democrat Party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva (อภิสิทธิ์ เวชชาชีวะ ) said that the government's public relation campaigns to encourage participation in the constitution drafting process would allow citizens to help resolve the nation's political crisis. Mr. Abhisit said that participation both by supporters and opposers of the 2007 constitution will create awareness of the importance of the upcoming public referendum.

The Democrat Party leader cautioned, however, that civil servants should not influence public decisions by posting campaign stickers. Mr. Abhisit voiced his belief that the National Legislative Assembly's decision to revise the Council for Democratic Reform's 15th Declaration will allow Thailand's political scene to be clear and progressive. He added that political parties should not fear the upcoming elections as they will be fair and transparent.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 20 July 2007

Will be interesting to watch Abhisit in action, because chances are pretty good that he will end up being the new PM, after the election.

[Jai Dee]

Democrat Party prepares for the general election

Democrat Party today arranged an annual meeting for 2007 to set its policies in preparation for the general election.

The annual meeting held at the Emerald Hotel was very lively as the party members nationwide came to attend the meeting. The purpose of the meeting was to set forth the Democrat Party's policies and its intention to inform the country its willingness to improve the current political uncertainty.

Democrat Party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva (อภิสิทธิ์ เวชชาชีวะ) is confident that the party's policies can answer to the national problems, including the national economy, the political conflicts, and the southern violence situation.

Mr. Abhisit said the party has been following the process of the Council for National Secuirty (CNS) as it wants to see the country quickly return to democracy. Meanwhile, the party members have been urged to help inform details in the constitution draft to people so they can decide on whether they should accept it or not.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 20 July 2007

[Jai Dee]

Blunder in printing of charter

Two officials stand accused of malpractice

The Constitution Drafting Assembly's sub-committee on charter production yesterday pointed a finger at two officials attached to the parliament secretariat over alleged malpractice in the 285-million-baht project to produce 20 million copies of the draft charter.

Siva Saengmanee, who chairs the CDA's charter production panel, said the legal team in charge of the terms of reference (ToR) and contracts had written the contract with the printing firms in a way which disregarded the CDA's directive. The CDA had specifically instructed that the ToR and the contracts must stipulate that the state-owned printing houses selected to print the copies must not sub-contract the work to private firms.

More from the Bangkok Post here.

[Mid]

watch this space ............

currently on local TV , corruption in printing / distribution ???

still no copies on the Southern Islands ............................

[Jai Dee]

Matchima leader is set for election

The Matchima (มัชฌิมา) group is prepared to register as a political party once the Council for Democratic Reform (CDR)’s 15th announcement bill has been enforced. The group is also confident that more than 200 new candidates will join them.

Matchima leader Tawatchai Satchakul (ธวัชชัย สัจจกุล) reveals that the Matchima group has already set the policies and the regulations for the new party. He says the group will call a meeting to appoint nine committee members for the new party next week. He says once the party registration is completed, selecting the new party leader would be the next agenda. He says there are about four to five candidates at the moment.

Mr. Tawatchai says there is a possibility that the Matchima group will have a joint discussion with the Ruam Jai Thai (รวมใจไทย) group as well as other political groups prior to the general election.

In addition, Mr. Tawatchai believes the Matchima group would get a reasonable portion of Members of the Parliament, adding that the group members are 84 former MPs and over 140 former senators including the local politicians.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 20 July 2007

[Jai Dee]

Army Chief and CNS Chairman no anxiety over the group of people try to wipe out the constitution draft

Army Commander in Chief and Chairman of the Council for National Security Gen Sonthi Boonyaratklin (สนธิ บุญยรัตกลิน) speaks about the Thai Rak Thai (ไทยรักไทย) group core distributed the red book aim to overthrow of the 2007 constitution draft that he personally no concern over such activities. He says the majority of Thai people agreed with the government path and willing to cooperate and support the constitution referendum. As for the oust PM would files a lawsuit worth of five billions baht against the Asset Examination Committee, Gen.Sonythi replies it should not be worry since Thai people provide support to the AEC entirely.

The Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces Gen Boonsrang Niumpradit (บุญสร้าง เนียมประดิษฐ์ ) indicates he personally not excited over the issue though he has little knowledge about the law. He views people could take legal actions if they feel being treated unfairly. However, the Supreme Commander believes AEC ’s performances during the past eight months would meet requirements and justified.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 21 July 2007

[Jai Dee]

Supreme Commander believes public majority wished for an end to the political situation

The Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces believes that the majority of citizens will accept the new constitution in order to allow the nation to resolve its political situation.

Gen Boonsrang Niumpradit (บุญสร้าง เนียมประดิษฐ์ ) expressed his belief that rumors of opposition to overthrow the 2007 constitutional draft are not without merit as some citizens do not support the contents of the 2007 draft. Gen Boonsrang admitted that the 1997 constitution was superior to the 2007 constitution, though he indicated that the changing conditions of the nation required a new and modernized constitution.

The Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces expressed his confidence that officials tasked with drafting the 2007 constitution will use rationale and delicacy in establishing the new charter. Gen Boonsrang added that the majority of citizens wished for a new constitution to be established in order to allow the nation to end its political crisis.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 21 July 2007

[Mid]

The Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces Gen Boonsrang Niumpradit (บุญสร้าง เนียมประดิษฐ์ ) indicates he personally not excited over the issue though he has little knowledge about the law.

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

Gen Boonsrang admitted that the 1997 constitution was superior to the 2007 constitution,

Edited July 21, 2007 by Mid

[Jai Dee]

Nakhon Si Thammarat campaigns for people to take part in referendum

Nakhon Si Thammarat (นครศรีธรรมราช) Governor (ผู้ว่าราชการ) Vichom Thongsong (วิชม ทองสงค์) asks public members (ประชาชน) to be more involved in politics (การเมือง) and administrative (การปกครอง) issues, starting with taking part in the constitution referendum (ประชามติ) on August 19th, 2007.

The interim government (รัฐบาล) and the Ministry of Interior (กระทรวงมหาดไทย) have assigned the Governor of Nakhon Si Thammarat to encourage people to support Thailand’s democratic Regime under the constitutional monarchy (ระบอบประชาธิปไตยอันมีพระมหากษัตริย์ทรงเป็นประมุข). Political and administrative courses are being held in 21 districts (อำเภอ) and two subdistricts (กิ่งอำเภอ) of the province.

Mr. Vichom says he would like public members to vote in the referendum, but it is their rights to approve or disapprove the 2007 constitution charter. He says the Election Commission (EC) of Thailand (คณะกรรการการเลือกตั้ง) has coordinated with the officials in Nakhon Si Thammarat in working on the eligible voters' accounts (บัญชีผู้มีสิทธิ์เลือกตั้ง) in the province.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 21 July 2007

[Mid]

Thai language pdf of the yellow book ,

here

[jbowman1993]

My wife got her copy of the constitution yesterday, in the mailbox. She is planning to read it over, since this is the first time anyone has ever asked her vote on a constitution. A small step, and perhaps meaningless in the big scheme of things, but she seems to feel that it is a positive thing.

[Jai Dee]

NLA committee campaigns for honest election

The National Legislative Assembly (NLA)’s committee on morality and ethics holds a seminar to campaign for an honest, straight forward election.

NLA Deputy Chairman Gen.Charan Kunlawanit (จรัล กุลละวณิชย์) says during the opening ceremony of the seminar that election is fundamental in democracy but election in Thailand is still facing many problems. He therefore suggests that it is necessary for the government to work on campaigns to make people understand that it is one's obligation to vote and therefore respect the outcome of the votes. In addition, the government should proactively suppress electoral frauds.

In the meantime, Deputy President of the Democracy Foundation Gen.Saiyud Kerdphon (สายหยุด เกิดผล) proposes solutions to vote buying and attempts to undermine new constitution. He also suggests that the Election Commission should encourage silent voters to participate in the referendum of the new constitution.

Gen.Charan adds that a number of Thai people have not expressed sincerity in participating in a true democracy, especially the formation of a political party. he added that vote buying is still rampant and must be suppressed by the government.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 23 July 2007

[Mid]

In addition, the government should proactively suppress electoral frauds.

progress .............

[Jai Dee]

PM requests Thai youths in U.K. to help Govt. push for general election

Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont (สุรยุทธ์ จุลานนท์) requests Thai youths living in the United Kingdom to help the government create understandings amongst Thai expatriates that the Surayud administration possesses a strong intention to set forth a general election in line with democracy.

The premier has delivered a speech to a group of Thai youths in the U.K. who has met with the premier at the Government House, saying that the interim government has tried its best to resolve the country’s crisis initiated by political problems. He affirms the government is steering the country to the general election, scheduled to take place at the end of this year, in order to return democracy to people and improve Thailand’s image in international communities.

Gen.Surayud states that the government resolves ongoing problems in line with the interim charter and will push for the general election to occur within this year. In addition, the premier calls on the youths to confirm to the Thai expatriates in the U.K. that the country is stepping forward to democracy.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 24 July 2007

[Jai Dee]

Ex-EC member Kotrom says public should participate in referendum

Former Election Commission (EC) (คณะกรรมการการเลือกตั้ง) and National Legislative Assembly (NLA) (สภานิติบัญญัติแห่งชาติ) member Kothom Areeya (โคทม อารียา) says people have the rights to decide whether they want to vote in the constitution referendum on August 19th, 2007. However, he says people should take the responsibility by exercising their rights.

Mr. Kothom says the constitution is a guideline of rules and regulations in the society, and the constitution would have more integrity if people respect the social order and take part in the referendum.

Mr. Kothom considers that it is normal for political conflicts to occur in the democratic system since people have different opinions. However, he says the conflicts should not resort to violence. Besides, he says Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont (สุรยุทธ์ จุลานนท์) has also announced the general election will be held this year, which is a good start.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 24 July 2007

[Jai Dee]

EU representatives to observe Thailand’s election

The Election Commission (EC) is ready to welcome representatives of the European Union (EU) who will witness the general election commission in action during Thailand's end-of-year elections.

Election Commissioner Praphan Naikowit (ประพันธ์ นัยโกวิท) discloses that the EU requested EC to allow its 150 representatives to witness the election. He affirms EC is preparing itself to facilitate the representatives and their visit is considered as a good opportunity for Thailand to show that the election will be held transparently and honestly.

The E.U. once sent its representatives to Thailand to watch a general election.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 24 July 2007

[Jai Dee]

Interior Minister urge Interior officials to expedite referendum

The Interior Minister (รัฐมนตรีว่าการกระทรวงมหาดไทย ), Mr. Aree Wongaraya (อารีย์ วงศ์อารยะ), is instructing officials under his ministry to expedite the upcoming constitution referendum on August 19th, 2007.

50 members of the Narathiwat Mosque Management Committee traveled to meet with Minister of Interior Aree Wong-araya (อารีย์ วงศ์อารยะ) to discuss personal matters and the southern unrest. Mr. Aree reiterated to Interior officials on the importance of expediting the public referendum process in the southern provinces. The Fourth Army Area command will be cooperating with election officials in organizing security.

The Minister of Interior added that rumors of officials recruitment of voters to participate in the public referendum are unfounded and would conflict with the Ministry of Interior's role in upholding the law and expediting voters' convenience.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 24 July 2007

[Mid]

Interior Minister urge Interior officials to expedite referendum

perhaps he may wish to look into the distribution of the yellow book for starters .

[Jai Dee]

CDA to ask the Office of the Auditor General to help inspect the publishing of the Constitution Draft

The Constitution Drafting Assembly (CDA) will ask the Office of the Auditor General to help inspect the spending and processes in publishing the constitution draft.

The CDA today meeting touched upon issues concerning errors in Articles 306 and 308. CDA Deputy Chairman Seri Suwanpanon (เสรี สุวรรณภานนท์) has proposed the meeting to seek help from the Office of the Auditor General to observe the transparency.

CDA Deputy Chairman, however, believes that the errors will not affect the constitution referendum. According to the primary inspection, there is no any mistake in the charter draft the CDA had voted.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 24 July 2007

[Mid]

The CDA today meeting touched upon issues concerning errors in Articles 306 and 308.

[Mid]

Interior Minister urge Interior officials to expedite referendum

perhaps he may wish to look into the distribution of the yellow book for starters .

Thailand Post to deliver copies of draft constitution to voters before end of month

July 24, 2007 : Last updated 10:44 am

The chairman of Thailand Post said Tuesday that copies of draft constitution will be delivered to voters before the end of this month.

Omsin Chivapruek, chairman of Thailand Post, said Thailand Post received 19.7 million copies of the draft on Monday and had delivered half of them.

He said some 300,000 more copies had yet to be handed over to Thailand Post for delivery.

The Nation

so , 9 mths to write it , ( a record in itself ) ,

and they expect the population to absorb it in days ................................

same old , same old

[Jai Dee]

EC sets target of 70% voters in charter referendum

The Election Commission sets a target of 70% voters in the constitution referendum while expressing concerns that people do not understand the charter draft.

Election Commissioner Sodsri Satayathum (สดศรี สัตยธรรม) presided over the opening ceremony of a meeting on the constitution referendum in Chiang Mai (เชียงใหม่) province. Chiefs of relevant government units participated in the meeting which is aimed to provide knowledge and educate state officials as well as the general public about the referendum method. Mrs Sodsri affirmed EC will ensure that the referendum is arranged transparently and fairly.

As for the constitution draft, the National Legislative Assembly (NLA) is responsible for public relations activities to ensure that people in general will have access to knowledge concerning the draft, Mrs Sodsri said.

The election commissioner adds that the authority is still concerned that people do not have an understanding of the charter draft and some areas have yet received copies of it. Mrs Sodsri suggests NLA to work with EC in a campaign for the constitution draft.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 25 July 2007

[Mid]

nationmultimedia.com

Wed, July 25, 2007 : Last updated 16:38 pm

A post office in Yala province prepares 2007 charter draft to be distributed to people in the areas for them to study the charter before the referendum on August 19.//Nakharin Chinnawornkomol

[Mid]

Toward a less democratic Thailand

By Shawn W Crispin

snip

In the transition, however, it's apparent that Thailand's democracy will be compromised in significant ways and will open the way to future military interventions in politics.

With the expected passage next month of the new charter, Thailand will be set to enter a new period of military-democracy, where elected politicians are checked and potentially toppled by military proxies in the half-appointed Senate.

snip

Asia Times Online

and there it is ...................

[hammered]

Toward a less democratic Thailand

By Shawn W Crispin

snip

In the transition, however, it's apparent that Thailand's democracy will be compromised in significant ways and will open the way to future military interventions in politics.

With the expected passage next month of the new charter, Thailand will be set to enter a new period of military-democracy, where elected politicians are checked and potentially toppled by military proxies in the half-appointed Senate.

snip

Asia Times Online

and there it is ...................

The last paragraph is worth a read for anyone who doesnt realise what has been going on, whichever side you normally fall on. The last paragraph of the linked article that is;)

Edited July 26, 2007 by hammered

[blaze]

Toward a less democratic Thailand

By Shawn W Crispin

snip

In the transition, however, it's apparent that Thailand's democracy will be compromised in significant ways and will open the way to future military interventions in politics.

With the expected passage next month of the new charter, Thailand will be set to enter a new period of military-democracy, where elected politicians are checked and potentially toppled by military proxies in the half-appointed Senate.

snip

Asia Times Online

and there it is ...................

Excellent article- thank you for posting it. Ominous.

[Mid]

who was the wise man who said the truth will always come out ..........??

Sonthi believes draft charter to be approved in referendum

July 27, 2007 : Last updated 12:54 pm

Council for National Security chairman Gen Sonthi Boonyaratglin expressed confidence Friday that the draft constitution would be approved by the majority of the people in the upcoming referendum.

"I believe most people understand this and want the election to take place. If they want to have an election, they must accept the draft," Sonthi said.

The Nation

tough work trying to change those spots ......................

[Mid]

Thailand gears up for referendum, tighten security

Posted: 2007/07/27

From: Mathaba

Ha Noi (VNA) – Thailand’s National Legislative Assembly (NLA) has overwhelmingly endorsed legislation relating to a public referendum on the country’s newly-drafted constitution slated for August 19, an election committee spokesman said on July 26.

Under the new law, anyone convicted of misleading the public over the referendum, blocking voters from the polls, or damaging the ballot papers could face up to 10 years imprisonment and a maximum 200,000 baht (5,900 USD) fine, according to the Election Commission.

"The offenders could also be punished with a five-year suspension of their right to vote," commission spokesman Ruangroj Chumsueb was quoted by France ’s AFP as saying.

The law is expected to come into full force by early August, once it receives the king's endorsement, he added.

snip

mathaba.net

Edited July 27, 2007 by Mid

[Mid]

No-vote raid 'illegal', says election official

Published on July 29, 2007

Police claim seizure of anti-charter posters was military order

Police have raided the Duang Prateep Foundation and confiscated 4,000 posters encouraging votes against the junta-sponsored draft charter.

The posters carried the message: "It's not illegal to vote against the draft constitution".

No one has been charged fol?lowing the seizure.

Pravit Rojanaphruk,

Jumpol Nopthip

nationmultimedia.com

[captainstabbin]

No-vote raid 'illegal', says election official

Published on July 29, 2007

Police claim seizure of anti-charter posters was military order

Police have raided the Duang Prateep Foundation and confiscated 4,000 posters encouraging votes against the junta-sponsored draft charter.

The posters carried the message: "It's not illegal to vote against the draft constitution".

No one has been charged fol?lowing the seizure.

Pravit Rojanaphruk,

Jumpol Nopthip

nationmultimedia.com

So the message is - It is illegal to vote against the draft constitution