Draft Charter Ready For Vote

[aaaaaa]

Crispin's article is not the only thing which discusses this matter.

I wasn't sure what what would be the reaction on mentioning it here though - good to see that some one else did quote it and it was Ok. there is another site about 'shark jumping' - which provides more info and discussions. and this one too : Thailand on Spin Cycle

about 'No' vote - there are many people who urge it, even academics and monks.

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2007/07/23...cs_30041953.php

'No' vote in Aug 19 vote

Published on July 23, 2007

Led by Worajet Pakeerat, a vocal opponent of the junta since its coup last year, the lecturers also called for a "No" vote against the draft charter in the national referendum on August 19.

Their move follows a statement by law academics last week that supported the new charter and attacked its opponents for acting like doomsayers without justification.

The Thammasat academics' statement cited six faults with the new charter.

1) The source of the draft charter makes it illegal.

2) There was no reason to draft a new constitution.

3) The draft charter's provisions are undemocratic.

4) The controversial provision granting de facto amnesty

to the junta for staging the coup is against constitution law.

5) The conditions under which the national referendum is being held are unfair.

6) The academics said they reject technocracy and military systems.

The statement also calls for seven points of action if the draft charter is not passed.

The main point is the reinstatement of the 1997 Constitution that was abrogated by the coup-makers, followed by the resignation of members of the Council for National Security, the National Legislative Assembly, the constitution-drafting bodies and the Assets Examination Committee.

"All cases under AEC investigation should be forwarded to the National Counter Corruption Commission," the lecturers said. They said the interim cabinet could be allowed to function until the new government is appointed, and called for a general election within 60 days of restoring the 1997 charter.

Monks campaign against charter draftPublished on Jul 25, 2007

A group of four monks in Phitsanulok Wednesday distributed leaflets and CDs protesting against the draft constitution.

The monks went to temples in rural areas of the province and asked for the abbots' permission to preach. They then began handing out the leaflets and CDs to audience members.

The four monks went to Dong Chan Temple in Wang Thong district and urged people to cast 'No' votes in the charter referendum on August 19.

The Nation

I think the main reason is:

Drafters reject Buddhism as state religionPublished on Jul 1, 2007

The Constitution Drafting Assembly (CDA) on Friday rejected recognition of Buddhism as the national religion in the new constitution by a 66-9 vote following five hours of intense deliberations.

The decision upset protesting monks and lay Buddhists, who vowed to launch a campaign to reject the junta-sponsored draft charter....

Monks curse drafters

After the Constitution Drafting Assembly agreed not to put the clause in the charter draft on Friday, 500 members of the Buddhist Network of Thailand protesting in front of Parliament toppled a replica of a gigantic alms bowl, blocking the gate to the compound.

They also toppled a replica of the Constitution in the same manner and then chanted curses aimed at the CDA majority for voting against the idea.

Parliament security officers closed the gate immediately, leaving only a door with strict control over who could enter. The atmosphere was tense, and traffic in front of the Parliament became congested.

let us see how monks actions would be prevented as illegal !

[captainstabbin]

A group of four monks in Phitsanulok Wednesday distributed leaflets and CDs protesting against the draft constitution.

<snip>

let us see how monks actions would be prevented as illegal !

Maybe thats why the Junta were so keen to send a load of monks down to the troubled South for Lent!

[aaaaaa]

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

Actually, we must give a credit to man for his straightforwardness - Sonthi made it clear since very beginning, merely 1 month after coup:

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2006/10/26...cs_30017169.php

Thu, October 26, 2006

The transition of power [I understand it here: from technocracy or Electocracy to more or less real Democracy, goverance by people] will take place when the people are ready for it [according to what he says below, this means: when they learn and understand about Democracy, which may be never ]. The people should understand what happened and strive to prevent a repeat by introducing charter amendments and adjusting the administrative system.

The charter should be designed for Thailand and the nature of its people. It is a futile exercise if we copy foreign models.

I suspect many Thais still lack a proper understanding of democracy. The people have to understand their rights and their duties. Some have yet to learn about discipline. I think it is important to educate the people about true democratic rule. It is a challenge to enable all 60 million Thais to gain an in-depth understanding of democracy and all its rights, duties and rules. Democracy will thrive once the people learn its true meaning.

I would also like to tell the people that we should pay more attention to scrutinising the basic law.

what he says is pretty true or reflects the actual state of things in this country. or at least very realistic, taking into consideration ALL subtle (and unspoken too ) aspects of Thai society, culture, economics and politics.

as I suggested in another thread: there is no need to talk so much about "Democracy" or elections, or parties' policies.... all this is in embryo condition.

the only positive thing is, may be, that the process towards developement is going on, although it is a very long way.

so, folks, hold your horses and chill out - don't take it all (present events with draft, Referendum, Elections etc.) too close to heart!

[Mid]

Sonthi: Election definitely within this year

(BangkokPost.com) – Council for National Security (CNS) Chairman General Sonthi Boonyaratkalin said he is certain the second breed of United Front of Democracy Against Dictatorship leaders (UDD) are not as capable of causing as much damage to the nation’s interests as the key leaders currently being detained at Bangkok Special Prison.

Making the statement during a live radio interview, the CNS chief also reiterated that the general election will be held by the end of this year regardless of whether the draft charter passes a national referendum on August 19.

The Post Publishing Public Co

[thedude]

Thai politics beyond 2006 coup

By Pasuk Phongpaichit

(Based on the Supha Sirimanond Memorial Lecture delivered at the Political Economy Centre, Chulalongkorn University on July 25)

The most difficult task is how to convince the triple alliance behind the coup to accept a political system which accommodates everybody fairly.

The keywords of political debate of the 1990s were terms like civil society, rights and freedoms, participation, and reform. By contrast, the keywords of the 2000s have included authoritarianism, exclusion, coup, nominee, security, violence and reconciliation.

What has happened, and where will this lead?

Whether we like it or not, Thaksin Shinawatra’s premiership (2001-2006) has brought out a deep division in Thai society. On the one hand, the mass electorate embraced him as their leader and gave him three unprecedented election victories. On the other hand, old elite rejected him for being authoritarian, for using political power to enrich his family and cronies, and for threatening major longstanding institutions through his headlong pursuit of rapid change.

continued here....

http://www.bangkokpost.com/topstories/tops...s.php?id=120556

[aaaaaa]

only last night, in fact today, about 2am, I swear I've read the article on Bangkok Post called "EC says 'vote no' posters not yet illegal" (URL: http://www.bangkokpost.com/News/30Jul2007_news07.php) . however now when I wanted to quote it here, Bkk Post already doesn't show it anymore. HTTP 404 Error "Not Found" is displayed instead.

however it is still in Google and Bangkok Post search results:

http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=%...G=Google+Search

http://www.google.co.th/custom?hl=en&s...e&client...

and here is Bkk Post front cover as Google's saved Cashed page Monday July 30, 2007:

NEW CONSTITUTION / AUG 19 REFERENDUM

EC says 'vote no' posters not yet illegal

The Election Commission has refused to rule that posters produced by Prateep Ungsongtham-Hata calling on people to vote ''no'' in the Aug 19 charter referendum are illegal and punishable under the new law.

but you can't acces it either - again same HTTP 404 Error

article was about that woman, Prateep, who has filed a complain that police siezed 4000 posters from her house, damaged property, few other things. and she said that there was no law to do that - because Vote No posters and stickers are NOT illegal. and that EC has confirmed it.

somehow, this truth apperently was not convinient to be available for public, it seems ! therefore either Bkk Post themselves has taken it out or ICT... whatever, but it has definetely happened.

however instead you can easily find about "Yes vote", read this:

CNS push for charter 'yes' vote

Armed forces, police 'told to endorse draft'

WASSANA NANUAM and SUBIN KHUENKAEW

CNS chief Gen Sonthi Boonyaratkalinhas instructed around 400,000 armed forces members and police officers and their families, through their commanderswho sit on the CNS, to endorse the draftcharter, the source said.

The officers are expected to take onthe role of ''charterambassadors'', and more than 120 military-controlled radiostations have been told to publicise the charter, according to the source.

Gen Sonthi has also orderedthe Internal Security OperationsCommand (Isoc),which has 700,000 staff nationwideunder its command,to promote proper understandingof the constitutionamong rural people.

Isoc spokesman Col ThanathipSawangsaeng said provincial Isoc chiefswill use door-to-door tactics in theircampaign to educate people so they will not be ''tricked'' into rejecting the draft charter.

well, so much for free discussions about charter.

[aaaaaa]

Matchima agrees with charter draft so election would be held quickly

What have the Dems said?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Next_constitution_of_Thailand

Reactions

Democrat Party

The Democrat Party supported the draft constititution. Party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva said the Democrat Party considered the new constitution similar to the 1997 Constitution, but with improvements. "If we wanted to please the Council for National Security we would reject the draft so it could pick a charter of its own choosing. If we reject the draft, it will be like handing out power to the Council. We have come up with this stand because we care about the national interest and want democracy to be restored soon," he said

these his words were taken from:

Draft gets Democrats' vote

The Nation, 9 July 2007

The Democrat Party yesterday spoke out in support of the constitution draft, saying rejecting it would give the junta more power.... Abhisit said a referendum rejection would delay an election by at least a month.

for me it looks like Abhisit is not being sincere in saying such things - if he is not entirely stupid! or perhaps is is simply too power hungry - and therefore, since he probably knows that he is the most likely person to become a next PM, he just tries to speed up the process of Elections. even though he is aware of and has expressed his opinion against the fact that there might be NO elected PM at all:

CDC Chairman Prasong Soonsiri supported a proposal that would not require that Prime Ministers be elected Members of Parliament... The clause was supported by General Somjet Boonthanom, head of the CNS Secretariat, since it provided "a good way out" for political crises. Several notable figures attacked the clause as being undemocratic, including CDA member Noranit Sethabutr, political scientist Somchai Srisuthiyakorn, Campaign for Popular Democracy deputy secretary-general Somkuan Promthong, Democrat party secretary-general Suthep Thaugsuban, and Thai Rak Thai party caretaker leader Chaturon Chaisang. Demorat party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva said that efforts to include the clause "created public mistrust in the government."

Abhisit's words are taken from following Nation's article, which has a bit more explanation regarding "good way out" excuse:

CNS general backs law for unelected PM

Sonthi denies interference as opposition lashes out at 'undemocratic' proposal

A Council for National Security (CNS) member yesterday backed the idea of leaving the option open in the new constitution for a non-elected person to become prime minister.

General Somjet Boonthanom, head of the CNS Secretariat, said he believed the proposal, raised during the constitution drafters' brainstorming session last week, was aimed at preventing a political deadlock similar to one ahead of last September's coup.

"This should be a good way out. The 1997 constitution provided no such exit and that led to a constitutional dead-end," the general said. "There were calls for a royally-appointed prime minister. And when there was really no way out, political changes by the military took place."

so, in other words, Gen. Somjet is saying that including of this clause, which many, including Democrats, find UNdemocratic, will lessen a chance of future coups, by making it possible for royally-appointed PM. hopefully, it would be the true - and no more coups will happen ! time will show.

BTW, in this article there are opinions by TRT's and PAD's Somsak Kosaisuk on the matter of Unelected PM: both say that it is a step back, not forward towards to more democratic development.

despite whatever anyone here might say (like that old cheerleaders' song "oh, those evil TRT !"), I tend to agree with this:

The Thai Rak Thai believes the draft is "less democratic and less advanced than the 1997 Constitution" and will weaken the political power of the next government.

He said the next elected government would likely be a flimsy coalition easily influenced by the military. The draft gives too much power to the bureaucracy, too, he added.

P.S.

oh, one more thing!

in above mentioned article "Draft gets Democrats' vote" there is very interesting thing about PM Surayudh, completely opposit to what Bangkok Post reports today ("CNS push for charter 'yes' vote" ):

Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont, meanwhile, denied soldiers would be out drumming up voter support for the referendum.

"It's not true," Surayud said in response to allegations made by Chaturon Chaisang, leader of the Thai Rak Thai Group.

"We are not trying to influence the outcome of the referendum." He had met provincial people and said they wanted an election soon.

at least Sondhi and Surayudh should have had better coordination of their words and actions !

Edited July 31, 2007 by aaaaaa

[Mid]

CDA takes up election and party organic bills

Published on August 2, 2007

The Constitution Drafting Assembly will today consider the constitution organic bill empowering the Election Commission to carry out searches without warrant as one of the measures to ensure a clean and fair poll.

Under the bill, EC officials can search and seize documents, assets and other evidence from any building or vehicle if there are grounds to believe the items are being used to violate the organic law.

The EC can also request that the Anti-Money Laundering Office, Bank of Thailand and commercial banks report money transfers and transactions by suspected offenders.

The bill also seeks to remove 10 political rights of people who fail to exercise their voting rights. Among them are the rights to oppose MP, Senate and local elections; to oppose the selection of kamnan and village heads; to stand as an MP or Senate candidate; to seek impeachment of political office holders; and to seek constitutional amendments.

Another bill up for consideration is the political-party bill that limits a party leader to two terms of four years each.

The Nation

[tijnebijn]

We should be happy not being thai at this point . Would give me headache what to choose for ,

if there is any choice for any political party , they all seem nah how long will they last !

[Martin]

The cynical view might be that this proposed constitution guards against any jumped-up businessman ever again getting his hands unstoppably on the levers of power.

(I am reminded of the story of the crusty old Tory landowner Minister who was asked how Cabinet meetings were going, just after Tim Sainsbury had joined Margaret Thatcher's Cabinet. "Feels odd to be seated next to m'grocer, and taking orders from a grocer's daughter" he grumped.)

But to be realistic, at Thailand's present stage of development of electorate and politics, it makes sense to have a strong Senate to review, and, when necessary, block the decisions of Parliament. Until MPs who truly are the representatives of their constituents in Parliament emerge, that will continue to be desirable.

It is reasonable to hope for improvement as a new generation of MPs comes along---even if many are sons and daughters of the previous generation

who caused the editor (Ruth McVey) of "Money and Power in Provincial Thailand" to entitle her introductory article: "Of greed and violence and other signs of progress"!.

But reasonable hope is a poor substitute for certainty; and, in Thailand, representative/parliamentary democracy has yet to prove itself to be in fit shape to be entrusted with the future of the country. Especially with big upheavals in the offing in that part of the governance that we are not allowed to discuss. If the proposed constitution is viewed as providing for parliamentary government by a group of apprentices under the watchful eye of a group of older-generation crafts(wo)men, it seems to make sense.

[aaaaaa]

We should be happy not being thai at this point . Would give me headache what to choose for ,

if there is any choice for any political party , they all seem nah how long will they last !

indeed, very true !

[egeefay]

Democracy in Thailand

18 coups in 60 years=3.3 years per coup

Next coup...2010

[Mid]

better late than never and unfortunately still labled TRT , but

Constitution Debate

Fri, August 3, 2007 : Last updated 12:48 pm

Thai Rak Thai Group Leader Chaturon Chaisang strongly attacked the draft Constitution, saying that it supports "dictatorship and bureaucrats-dominated ruling".

He said the elected government's power will be largely diluted as detailed policies, significant and insignificant, are included in the Constitution.

"The Cabinet has no power to order state agencies or transfer any civil servants, though the Cabinet comes from elected MPs," he said.

Rather, in his opinion, the Constitution awards power to the Council for National Security, non-elected senators, constitutional organisations and civil servants, not the entire public.

He urged the public not to vote for the charter, as "saying no would mean the public does not support dictatorship.

"This is the first public referendum and we should reap maximum benefits from it," he said, saying that it is no use to say yes on hope that changes would be made later on.

He rather supported the reinstatement of the Constitution 1997, saying that some articles could be amended.

Jirmsak Pinthong, a member of the Constitution Drafting Assembly, Friday urged the public to vote for the draft Constitution BE2550, saying that the public is given more voice in speaking their problems.

"It's the first time that they can speak in Parliament, without having to pass their messages to MPs," he said at the debate on "strengths and weak points of the draft Constitution BE2550".

snip

The Nation

Edited August 3, 2007 by Mid

[wintermute]

Democracy in Thailand

18 coups in 60 years=3.3 years per coup

Next coup...2010

These aren't random people orchestrating these coups. There are certain individuals on the very top who don't want democracy to occur. That's all i'll say on that subject but if you do a little reading you'll understand why things are the way they are in Thailand.

[Mid]

Sonthi says more coups possible unless charter states military role

August 4, 2007 : Last updated 02:10 pm

Gen Sonthi Boonyaratglin, chairman of the Council for National Security, Saturday indicated that more coups could happen in the future because the new draft constitution did not state the military role.

Giving a speech at the fair to promote democrachy, Sonthi said the military role should be stated clearly in the constitution.

He said the new draft constitution and the 1997 constitution did not mention the military role at all.

He said if the military role was stated in the charter, it could prevent a coup.

He said some political parties in the past tried to suppress the military role, prompting the military to vent out by staging coups.

The Nation

[Mid]

200,000 police, military to man polling booths

Sunday 5 August 2007 06:28:29 PM (GMT+7:00)

As Thailand gets ready to go to the polls again, a total of 187,950 police and army personnel are set to man 87,824 polling booths countrywide from Sunday through August 19, referendum day, when eligible voters will go to the booths to cast their votes regarding the draft constitution, a senior police officer said Sunday.

snip

MCOT Public Company Limited

[Mid]

Surayud: No Need To Lift Martial Law During Aug 19 Referendum

August 05, 2007 19:51 PM

By Alan Ting

LANGKAWI, Aug 5 (Bernama) -- Thai Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont says there is no need to lift the martial law imposed in the south and northeast of Thailand when the country holds its referendum on Aug 19.

"I don't see any connection between the martial law and the referendum," he told reporters here Sunday.

"There are no opposite sides in the referendum. We just need to accept or not to accept the draft constitution.

snip

bernama.com.my

[Mid]

Government urged to lift martial law

Referendum under current rules 'illegitimate'

By Surasak Glahan

snip

Somchai Preechasilpakul, dean of Chiang Mai University's faculty of law, said the lifting of martial law, which is still in place in 35 provinces, was essential to allow people to openly discuss whether the draft charter was good enough for a "yes" vote.

He made the call while criticising the Aug 19 referendum as being illegitimate.

snip

The Post Publishing Public Co

[Jai Dee]

CDC to consider laws concerning election

Today (August, 7th) the Constitution Drafting Committee (CDC) and the subcommittee responsible for the drafting of the constitution’s organic laws are scheduled to hold a meeting to discuss laws concerning the coming election.

In the meantime, the National Legislative Assembly (NLA) has called upon to investigate into NLA’s ad hoc committee alleged of interfering with the work of the legislature. The committee’s main responsibilities are to inspect corruption in government units.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 07 August 2007

[Losangels]

Are polls whether to accept or reject allowed? I believe it is prohibited a day or two before the vote

[Mid]

In the meantime, the National Legislative Assembly (NLA) has called upon to investigate into NLA’s ad hoc committee alleged of interfering with the work of the legislature. The committee’s main responsibilities are to inspect corruption in government units.

Anybody? Buhler? Buhler?

[rychrde]

Will they bus people from the villages to the voting booths? will they give them a little sweetener?

Thais I've spoken to will not even bother to vote. Sadly, because they don't understand the constitution, which has been handed out for free. But when I explain little bits of it to them, their general feeling is No! There is a growing hatred of this junta and the last thing they want is for their like to remain in power indefinitely.

I am not a political historian, but this constitution is not very far from the UK's. The real difference is the history and protocols in place. The Ministers in the UK are Her (or His) Majesty's - they may or may not be elected members of parliament. But it would need an earth-shattering reason for a monarch to go against the democratic wishes of its people - it can happen, it would not be unconstitutional, but it would change the politics of the country.

Why didn't they do what they obviously would like and have a Venetian-Roman system? The Senate rules and is appointed, with the Tribunal being elected by the people and having power of veto over the Senate. Simple, and if ever Thailand wanted to become a representative democracy then this could be done through various bills changing the centre of gravity of power, as happened in UK.

rych

[John K]

Main points of Thailand's draft constitution

A military-appointed council on Friday approved a draft constitution that is meant to pave the way for the first elections in Thailand since last year's coup.

The charter is set to go before the public in a referendum tentatively scheduled for August 19.

Following are main points of the new charter:

-- Prime minister: The premier would be limited to eight years in office.

-- House of Representatives: The number of seats would be cut from 500 to 480.

-- Senate: The number of seats would be reduced from 200 to 150, and nearly half of them would be appointed by a selection committee comprising judges, election officials and civic groups.

-- Press freedom: Politicians would be barred from holding a stake in media companies.

-- Impeachment: The prime minister and other officials could be impeached for ethical violations.

-- Conflicts of interest: The prime minister, as well as any spouse or children would be barred from holding major stakes in private companies.

All cabinet ministers and lawmakers would be required to declare all of their assets.

-- Public participation: An impeachment motion could be brought if 20,000 voters sign a petition.

Constitutional amendments could be brought with 100,000 signatures.

Only 10,000 voters would need to sign a petition to sponsor a draft law.

-- Treaties: Public hearings would be required before Thailand could sign any international agreement. People who believe they have been harmed by a treaty could seek compensation.

Source: AFP - 07 July 2007

I have not posted in this thread until now only because I felt it was Thai business and should be left to the Thais. However with the former TRT (the 111 bad guys in case you forgot) making such a push to not let this document be accepted, I have taken a second look. They are acting as a body and not as individuals as the dissolution decision provided.

Looking at the summary above and keeping in mind it will be the foundation for other laws, it does not mention any limitations on creating laws and polices that benefit the Thai people.

What it does say and do is keep the bad politicians in check and make them think two or more times before initiation of a self serving project. Thaksin is very much opposed to this as it will strangle any remaining veins of power he has, and also not allow him back in office. If he truly was calling it quits he would not care at all as the restrictions apply only to politicians and not the people they represent.

Looking at the new news events of the last 3 months I would have to say I feel the Thais should accept this document. Although not perfect(no document is), it is a step in the right direction. If there are problems that arise, it provides provisions for change to address the problems.

[jumnien]

What are the specifics of the military's new constitution? Let's say a General is accused of abusing his powers as Prime Minister. How long before the next General is appointed by an independent panel of Generals?

[John K]

What are the specifics of the military's new constitution? Let's say a General is accused of abusing his powers as Prime Minister. How long before the next General is appointed by an independent panel of Generals?

Again this is Thai business and I think that would fall in the “lets cross that bridge when we get to it” category. If it says members of the military can’t hold public office then I think that would be the clause you speak of.

[hammered]

Will they bus people from the villages to the voting booths? will they give them a little sweetener?

Thais I've spoken to will not even bother to vote. Sadly, because they don't understand the constitution, which has been handed out for free. But when I explain little bits of it to them, their general feeling is No! There is a growing hatred of this junta and the last thing they want is for their like to remain in power indefinitely.

I am not a political historian, but this constitution is not very far from the UK's. The real difference is the history and protocols in place. The Ministers in the UK are Her (or His) Majesty's - they may or may not be elected members of parliament. But it would need an earth-shattering reason for a monarch to go against the democratic wishes of its people - it can happen, it would not be unconstitutional, but it would change the politics of the country.

Why didn't they do what they obviously would like and have a Venetian-Roman system? The Senate rules and is appointed, with the Tribunal being elected by the people and having power of veto over the Senate. Simple, and if ever Thailand wanted to become a representative democracy then this could be done through various bills changing the centre of gravity of power, as happened in UK.

rych

The UK doesnt have a constitution per se. It runs on laws, precedents, parliamentary conventions and royal prerogatives. Some like to state that this disparate body constitutes a constitution but this is a tenuous arguement. Considering that the UK is the longest running democracy, maybe Thailand would have been better off to adopt this approach.

[hammered]

What are the specifics of the military's new constitution? Let's say a General is accused of abusing his powers as Prime Minister. How long before the next General is appointed by an independent panel of Generals?

Again this is Thai business and I think that would fall in the “lets cross that bridge when we get to it” category. If it says members of the military can’t hold public office then I think that would be the clause you speak of.

Didnt the charter drafters end up putting in that the PM must be elected?This would seem to leave suggestions of it being general after general to be only scare tactics unless the generals set up their own parties and were voted in which would then be called democracy I guess. Didnt Mr. T also publically call on Gen Sonthi to stand for parliament.

Agreed we should see how the check and balance mechanisms would work in a new parliament. They were certainly not very effective in the previous one.

There are copies of the constitution available in Thai and English on the internet if certain posters would rather read them than just make banal rhetorical points seemingly based on factual error.

[jumnien]

Under the military's new constitution, must a quorum of a minimum of 14 tanks be present to confirm the new General as Prime Minister?

[pumpuiman]

BANGKOK - The consensus is that Thailand's new military-drafted constitution will likely pass a highly anticipated national referendum on August 19. New political parties are fast forming to contest the democratic polls scheduled for the end of this year. And the military seems sincere in its stated intention to hand power over to a new elected government.

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.

How the balance between military and elected politicians is calibrated in a new coalition government will be crucial for future political stability and economic policymaking. Throughout the 1990s, ruling coalitions frequently dissolved because of factional infighting, where on average joint governments failed to serve even two of their four-year terms.

With the recent court-ordered dissolution of former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra's dominant Thai Rak Thai party (TRT) , and in light of measures including the new proposed charter aimed at simultaneously weakening and multiplying the number of political parties, Thailand is also likely headed toward a new political era of wobbly coalition governments - only this time with heavy military oversight.

Link to full article.

[Jai Dee]

Deputy Minister of Public Health Wallop invites Public Health Volunteers to vote in referendum

The Deputy Minister of Public Health (รัฐมนตรีช่วยว่าการกระทรวงสาธาณสุข), Dr. Wallop Thainua (วัลลภ ไทยเหนือ), would like to invite Public Health Volunteers (อาสาสมัครสาธารสุข) to vote in the 2007 constitution referendum on August 19th and 20th.

Dr. Wallop presided over the Development of Public Health Volunteers seminar at Sakon Nakhon (สกลนคร) province this morning (August 8th). On this occasion, Dr. Wallop asked Public Health Volunteers to participate in Thailand’s first ever constitution referendum on August 19th and 20th because this is the first opportunity for Thai citizens to approve or disapprove a charter draft.

Dr. Wallop added that Thai people can directly express their opinions in the referendum, and if the new constitution draft has been approved, they can be prepared for the general election to be held by the end of this year.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 08 August 2007