Draft Charter Ready For Vote

[hammered]

Do ANY of the 50 odd million poorly educated Thais have any idea what the h_ll this is all about?.............

all the Thais I’ve spoken to did not get past the first few pages of the little yellow book, just far too difficult for them to even get a basic idea of what it’s all about

IMO there should be a massive PR campaign to show both sides of the coin, before any ridicules vote

or the power elite could do what they have done with every other constitution and that is just impose it.

[Jai Dee]

Gen Boonsrang warns of possible attacks from anti-constitution groups

Supreme Commander and Council for National Security (CNS) member, Gen. Boonsrang Niumpradit (บุญสร้าง เนียมประดิษฐ์), has warned of possible attacks to be instigated by groups opposing the constitution draft.

Gen Boonsrang reveals that it is the duty of authorities to publicize the coming referendum and the constitution draft. He confirms that authorities do not try to convince people to accept or reject the constitution draft.

Gen Boonsrang, however, has instructed his authorities to use words carefully as it might pay provoke misunderstandings amongst state officials and various groups.

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

[Jai Dee]

Sonthi expects 70 per cent of voters to accept draft constitution

Gen Sonthi Boonyaratglin said Friday that he expected 70 per cent of voters to support the draft constitution.

He said soldiers of the army areas nationwide had surveyed opinions of the people and found that some 70 per cent of them supported the draft.

Source: The Nation - 10 August 2007

[rychrde]

Sonthi expects 70 per cent of voters to accept draft constitution

Gen Sonthi Boonyaratglin said Friday that he expected 70 per cent of voters to support the draft constitution.

He said soldiers of the army areas nationwide had surveyed opinions of the people and found that some 70 per cent of them supported the draft.

Source: The Nation - 10 August 2007

Excuse me, but from previous post, how can 70% vote yes when only 69% said they would actually vote?

And if that's 70% of those 69% we're looking at 49% of the whole sample saying yes.

rych

[sriracha john]

A Thaksin supporter shows her anti-charter sentiments in Bangkok.

The Nation

"Love Thaksin? Reject charter"

The Thai Rak Thai group has launched a "Those Who Love Thaksin Must Reject the Constitution Draft" campaign and has invited Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont and junta leader Sonthi Boonyaratglin to join its rally at Sanam Luang on Wednesday.

The group, lead by Chaturon Chaisang, Surapong Suebwonglee, Pongthep Thepkanjana, Adisorn Piengket and Sudarat Keyuraphan, held a seminar attended by residents of Bangkok and nearby provinces yesterday to criticise the draft charter.

Adisorn called on the public to join the rally, saying the draft charter came from a dictator who intended to destroy the political party system. "I want people go to the ballot on August 19 and vote against the draft."

He said that if the draft was passed, former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra wouldn't return to Thailand, so those who loved Thaksin shouldn't accept the draft constitution. He also wants Sonthi and Surayud to address the rally.

Surapong, meanwhile, promised that his group would compare the 1997 constitution and the draft at the rally so people could learn some facts and make the right choice. He said the group had checked details of the National Referendum Act before deciding to rally against it.

He also said that the Election Commission's decision to remove their billboard campaign against the draft was biased. "If you're campaigning for people to accept the draft, you should also be allowed to campaign against it."

Meanwhile, Sudarat asked former Bangkok members of Parliament, councillors and district councillors to seek 10,000 members per constituency for the People Power Party.

- The Nation

=========================================================================

The lady above accidentily dropped this flag from her upraised hand:

[Jai Dee]

State Railway of Thailand reduce fare rates for passengers returning home to vote in public referendum

The State Railway of Thailand is reducing fare prices for second and third class rail passengers in order to encourage citizens to travel to their home provinces to vote in the public referendum.

The Interim State Railway of Thailand Governor Bancha Kongnakorn (บัญชา คงนคร) reports that the State Railway of Thailand aims to increase the convenience of citizens who wish to return to their home provinces to vote in the upcoming public referendum by reducing the price of 2nd and 3rd class tickets by 50 percent on all routes from August 17-20.

Passengers planning to utilize rail services to return home to vote are asked to display their identification cards when purchasing the discount tickets.

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

[Jai Dee]

EC request police cooperation in suppressing vote-buying

The Chairman of the Election Commission of Thailand is requesting the cooperation of law enforcement officials in monitoring for vote-buying in the upcoming public referendum.

Mr. Apichat Sukhaggananda (อภิชาต สุขัคคานนท์ ) delivered policy to 180 police commanders from throughout the nation by reiterating the importance of maintaining security around voting stations, especially in the southern border provinces. Mr. Apichat said that movements to overthrow the constitution such as in Buriram province are illegal and will be prosecuted.

Police officers have been urged to conduct continuous surveillance in order to suppress and prosecute vote-buying during the public referendum. Meanwhile Election Commission of Thailand member Prapan Naikowit (ประพันธ์ นัยโกวิท) expressed his belief that opposers to the 2007 constitution will begin to conduct political movements in the coming week. These groups may use money as an incentive to overthrow the constitution.

The Deputy Commission General of the Royal Thai Police, Pol. Ge. Wichean Potposri (วิเชียร พจน์โพธิ์ศรี), reports that he has instructed all police officers to maintain order and to prosecute vote-buyers.

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

[hammered]

Call made for transfer of teachers

Buri Ram locals 'told to avoid referendum vote'

POST REPORTERS

The provincial election commission in Buri Ram wants the immediate transfer of three teachers in the northeastern province allegedly for violating the law on the constitution referendum. The provincial election panel joined hands with the Buri Ram provincial army and a network of 12 non-governmental organisations, to preempt any illegal acts meant to disrupt the charter referendum on Aug 19.

According to the panel, certain politicians linked to the old power clique had tried to mobilise resources and manpower to persuade residents not to vote in the referendum.

Rest at: http://www.bangkokpost.com/News/11Aug2007_news01.php

[Jai Dee]

Democrat Party expresses concern over vote-buying and financial contributions to MPs

The Democrat Party has expressed concern over financial contributions given to members of parliament in certain provinces.

Democrat Party Spokesperson Ong-art Klampaiboon (องอาจ คล้ามไพบูลย์ ) said that a Member of Parliament Evaluation Committee has found a large number of former members of parliament, both in the old administration, and in emerging parties, are being paid large sums of cash for unknown purposes. Mr. Ong-art said that the Democrat Party has expressed concern over the situation as it may cause the nation to return to past times when vote-buying, unscrupulous donations, and business politics were rampant.

Mr. Ong-art said that the Democrat Party will be promoting Democrat Party leader Mr. Abhisit Vejjajiva (อภิสิทธิ์ เวชชาชีวะ) as a candidate for the 2007 elections.

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

[Jai Dee]

EC Mae Hong Son admits existence of local movements to overthrow constitution

The Director of the Election Commission of Mae Hong Son admits that there are political groups attempting to overthrow the 2007 constitution operating in the province.

Mr. Ekachai Ruankam (เอกชัย เรือนคำ) reports that rumors of political movements to overthrow the 2007 constitution in Mae Hong Son province are true. Investigations by authorities have failed to identify parties responsible for the movements, however, therefore local election officials have been urged to prepare for any incidents related to vote-buying, and anti-constitution campaigns.

The Director of the Election Commission of Mae Hong Son said that election officials are conducting continuous public relation campaigns to encourage local residents to exercise their voting rights in the upcoming public referendum.

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

[Jai Dee]

CNS member calls on groups attempting to overthrow constitution to stop

The Royal Thai Navy Commander in Chief is calling on groups attempting to overthrow the 2007 constitution to cease their actions.

Council for National Security member Admiral Satirapan Kayanon (สถิรพันธุ์ เกยานนท์) expressed his belief that movements to overthrow the constitution are of no benefit to anyone. Admiral Satirapan told constitution opposition groups that in retrospect, if the 2007 constitution is not approved, the Council for National Security will remain in power, therefore opposers of the government and the CNS are asked to refrain from inciting unrest until a new government has been formed. Opposition groups are invited to participate in politics under set rules and regulations at that time.

The Council for National Security member added that incidents in which the identification cards of voters have been seized in order to prevent them from voting are being handled by authorities. Admiral Satirapan affirms that no such activities are occurring in areas under the jurisdiction of the Royal Thai Navy.

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

[jumnien]

It looks like they're starting to arrest folks who support a no vote. Makes you wonder why they waste they're time on a vote at all.

[hammered]

From the Nation: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2007/08/11...cs_30044646.php

'Love Thaksin? Reject charter'

The Thai Rak Thai group has launched a "Those Who Love Thaksin Must Reject the Constitution Draft" campaign and has invited Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont and junta leader Sonthi Boonyaratglin to join its rally at Sanam Luang on Wednesday. Published on August 11, 2007

A Thaksin supporter shows her anti-charter sentiments in Bangkok.

The group, lead by Chaturon Chaisang, Surapong Suebwonglee, Pongthep Thepkanjana, Adisorn Piengket and Sudarat Keyuraphan, held a seminar attended by residents of Bangkok and nearby provinces yesterday to criticise the draft charter.

Adisorn called on the public to join the rally, saying the draft charter came from a dictator who intended to destroy the political party system. "I want people go to the ballot on August 19 and vote against the draft."

He said that if the draft was passed, former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra wouldn't return to Thailand, so those who loved Thaksin shouldn't accept the draft constitution. He also wants Sonthi and Surayud to address the rally.

Surapong, meanwhile, promised that his group would compare the 1997 constitution and the draft at the rally so people could learn some facts and make the right choice. He said the group had checked details of the National Referendum Act before deciding to rally against it.

He also said that the Election Commission's decision to remove their billboard campaign against the draft was biased. "If you're campaigning for people to accept the draft, you should also be allowed to campaign against it."

Meanwhile, Sudarat asked former Bangkok members of Parliament, councillors and district councillors to seek 10,000 members per constituency for the People Power Party.

I always said the charter vote would never be about what was in the charter. Now we hear from the main proponents of the No vote that they are happy to make it a referendum on Mr. Thaksin. Who said he had dropped out of politics or that things had moved on and he was no longer a central player? Or is it just a ruse for the bought politcal slaves to publically show their thralldom to him, and invite others to do so too? Oh what fun we face in the vote that is nothing to do with the charter.

[Jai Dee]

PM says many people in Northeast support the government and want to do their best for country

The Prime Minister, Gen. Surayud Chulanont (สุรยุทธ์ จุลานนท์), expresses his belief that the calls to overthrow the 2007 constitution draft will not influence members of the public.

Gen. Surayud gave an interview on the Open Phitsanulok House program on government-owned television and radio this morning (August 11th). He says he recently visited northeastern Thailand, and many people in the region are supporting the interim government’s effort despite the negative reports on the new charter draft and the national referendum. However, he admits that people have been bribed to reject the new constitution draft in the referendum. Nevertheless, he believes such negative actions will not be enough to lure the general public as he believes the public members want to do their best for the country.

The Prime Minister believes the measures to facilitate people to vote in the referendum on August 19th such as the additional national holiday and the reduction of fares will be able to draw in more than 50 percent of voters.

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

[jumnien]

Will the additional holiday and lower fares be enough to bribe the populace? I think the intimidation will be more effective on the Army's part. Carrot and stick? Stick wins every time!

[hammered]

Will the additional holiday and lower fares be enough to bribe the populace? I think the intimidation will be more effective on the Army's part. Carrot and stick? Stick wins every time!

There is I think another subtext here too, and that is about the Isaan. It is not only about the charter. If the Yes vote wins the Isaan the TRT looks weak in its main stronghold and ex-MPs will maybe start to drift away from the new party, and canvassers consider repositioning. If the No vote wins the Isaan the TRT will still look strong in its main stronghold and this will be a boost to MPs, canvassers and the ex-leader. The Isaan consists of about one third of the electorate so there really is no need to fixate on it in terms of just passing a charter. The Isaan supposedly being either the stronghold or under control of TRT make it more of a battleground.

[sriracha john]

PM admits citizen ID cards being seized in Buri Ram to prevent voting on August 19th

The Prime Minister, Gen. Surayud Chulanont, admits that there are incidents where the identification cards of citizens have been seized to prevent them from voting in the 2007 constitution referendum on August 19th.

Prime Minister Surayud says such incidents are taking place in Buriram province, and the purpose is to deter voters from participating in the August 19th public referendum. No such occurrences have been reported in Kalasin, Mukdahan, Nakhon Phanom or Sakon Nakhon. Gen. Surayud says the 2nd Army Area Commander has confirmed such movements in Buriram, but believes that they will not affect the majority of voters during the public referendum.

The Prime Minister says officials are working to create greater participation among the public.

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

============================================================================

I see Newin has been busy up there in Buriram.... no wonder he's not had time to be in the news lately...

[sriracha john]

Buriram Provincial EC admits occurrence of vote buying in 5 districts

The Chairman of the Buriram Provincial Election Commission (EC), Mr. Kasem Wattanatham admits that incidents of vote-buying have been reported in the province.

Mr. Kasem reveals that three school administrators and teachers in Lam Plai Mat district of Buri Ram province may be transferred from their posts after their alleged involvement in attempting to overthrow the 2007 constitution draft. The act is in direct violation to Article 6 of orderly voting laws, as well as the Cabinet's decree.

Mr. Kasem reports that some areas of the province require monitoring as movements to overthrow the 2007 constitution have been found in five districts, including Lam Plai Mat, Nong Hong , Na Pho, Krasang and Muang.

Mr. Kasem said that he has instructed an additional 200 police officers to supplement voting officials and security forces already present at voting stations.

Mr. Kasem says old political figures in the province have been inciting opposition to the public referendum and the constitution through local community leaders by providing cash or other incentives to sway the decision of local voters. He is calling for local leaders to maintain their integrity and honor, and demands them to resign if they engaged in vote-buying activities.

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

============================================================================

I see Newin has really been busy up there in Buriram...

[sriracha john]

Taxis told to stop displaying stickers critical of draft charter

The government yesterday warned taxi drivers to remove anti-charter stickers from their vehicles and against expelling passengers who express support for the constitution. If they persist, they could face legal action. PM's Office Minister Thirapat Serirangsan said taxi drivers will be fined up to 1,000 baht if their cars carry the stickers and it could be worse if they drop passengers before reaching their destinations. The warning came after complaints from the public that many taxis were carrying stickers opposing the charter before the referendum on Aug 19. Many taxi drivers were sympathisers of deposed prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra and his now dissolved Thai Rak Thai party. They held rallies to back Mr Thaksin during the political crisis when he faced street protests led by the People's Alliance for Democracy before the military coup.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/News/10Aug2007_news12.php

PM's Office Minister Thirapat Serirangsan said taxi drivers will be fined up to 1,000 baht if their cars carry the stickers

interesting that you chose not to highlight this .....................................

Because, unlike the clearly illegal practice of forcing passengers out of their taxi, the matter of the stickers has, as I had suspected all along, been ultimately determined by the EC to be ok.

That and the fact that it was the first time this illegal tossing of passengers had been mentioned in any article.

Metropol Commissioner affirms unruly voters will be arrested

The Metropolitan Police Commissioner affirms that political groups who attempt to incite civil disturbance during the public referendum will be prosecuted.

Pol. Lt. Gen. Adisorn Nonsri conducted a training seminar for command level police officers under the Metropolitan Police Bureau in order to prepare for the August 19th public referendum. The Metropolitan Police Commissioner affirms that if any individuals are found to be disruptive, inebriated, unruly, and uncooperative with officials near public referendum voting stations, authorities will file charges against them immediately.

Guilty persons face a maximum 10 years imprisonment or a 200,000 Baht fine, or both.

Authorities will also be keeping watch to ensure that no vote-buying occurs during the public referendum process. Pol. Lt. Gen. Adisorn said that cab drivers who display no vote stickers on their vehicles are not breaking the law, according to the Election Commission of Thailand. The Metropolitan Police Commissioner added that hs has urged 88 precincts under the Metropolitan Police Bureau to remain alert to other subversive political movements.

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

[marshbags]

From the Nation: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2007/08/11...cs_30044646.php

'Love Thaksin? Reject charter'

The Thai Rak Thai group has launched a "Those Who Love Thaksin Must Reject the Constitution Draft" campaign and has invited Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont and junta leader Sonthi Boonyaratglin to join its rally at Sanam Luang on Wednesday. Published on August 11, 2007

A Thaksin supporter shows her anti-charter sentiments in Bangkok.

The group, lead by Chaturon Chaisang, Surapong Suebwonglee, Pongthep Thepkanjana, Adisorn Piengket and Sudarat Keyuraphan, held a seminar attended by residents of Bangkok and nearby provinces yesterday to criticise the draft charter.

Adisorn called on the public to join the rally, saying the draft charter came from a dictator who intended to destroy the political party system. "I want people go to the ballot on August 19 and vote against the draft."

He said that if the draft was passed, former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra wouldn't return to Thailand, so those who loved Thaksin shouldn't accept the draft constitution. He also wants Sonthi and Surayud to address the rally.

Surapong, meanwhile, promised that his group would compare the 1997 constitution and the draft at the rally so people could learn some facts and make the right choice. He said the group had checked details of the National Referendum Act before deciding to rally against it.

He also said that the Election Commission's decision to remove their billboard campaign against the draft was biased. "If you're campaigning for people to accept the draft, you should also be allowed to campaign against it."

Meanwhile, Sudarat asked former Bangkok members of Parliament, councillors and district councillors to seek 10,000 members per constituency for the People Power Party.

I always said the charter vote would never be about what was in the charter. Now we hear from the main proponents of the No vote that they are happy to make it a referendum on Mr. Thaksin. Who said he had dropped out of politics or that things had moved on and he was no longer a central player? Or is it just a ruse for the bought politcal slaves to publically show their thralldom to him, and invite others to do so too? Oh what fun we face in the vote that is nothing to do with the charter.

Talk about covering your options.

If it,s a no vote they say it will show love / be a support for Thaksin !!!!!

<deleted>

DEMOCRACY, THAKSIN / TRT STYLE.

If it,s a yes it,s a vote that will stop Thaksin returning to Thailand and is unconstitutional as the present government is unelected and forced him out of power blah blah blah

Seems only Thaksin and his supporters can win this one if anyone is took in by their present campaigning.

The ultimate spin on what should / is after all supposed to be a vote about a new charter to prevent future unethical exploitation which got him kicked out in the first place.

Incidently there are red no vote stickers now appearing around Udonthani, Surprise, Surprise.

Even some stuck to various objects in the local Tesco Lotus, including the eating areas, earlier this morning.

Seems democracy cannot win and intimidation among the local Moo Bans by PAID TRT supporters is once again rife.

Nothing new around here on this situation i,m sad report and observe, but i must admit they have been very thin on the ground prior to this for a longggggggggggggggg time.

Last chance at the O.K. CORAL as the saying goes.......or maybe S**T and Bust is better

marshbags

Edited August 11, 2007 by marshbags

[hammered]

And now TRT or whatever they are called now claim there is no vote buying. Amazing Thailand.

http://www.bangkokpost.com/breaking_news/b...s.php?id=120798

[jumnien]

I'm curious as to how you can have a yes-no election with the military clearly screaming yes and just arrest or suppress everyone who suggests no. Why do they call it an election if they don't allow an opposition to speak.

Edited August 11, 2007 by mdeland

[A_Traveller]

As an aside anyone fancy a read about democracy in the EU.

Regards

Charlemagne

[John K]

(BangkokPost.com) - Adisorn Piangket, a leader of the Thai Rak Thai group, said there is no attempt to bribe people living in northeastern provinces to vote down a draft constitution.

Mr Adisorn claimed that the reports was caused by the Council for National Security's concern that the draft charter will be rejected at the referendum.

He also called on the CNS not to look down on people and think that they can be bought by money.

He claimed that the society will give the CNS a lesson that democracy cannot be brought back to life by those who abolish constitution.

He claimed that the Public Health Ministry had bribed their staff by paying 300 baht to participate in a campaign supporting the charter, which......

More here

http://www.bangkokpost.com/breaking_news/b...s.php?id=120798

I find this comment amazing. How soon they forget that carving up the constitution was next on Thaksin’s list and would have probably already been done if the coup did not happen.

[John K]

I'm curious as to how you can have a yes-no election with the military clearly screaming yes and just arrest or suppress everyone who suggests no. Why do they call it an election if they don't allow an opposition to speak.

Is that the case? I see it as if a person wants to vote no they can.

Here is what I see but you need to step way back to see it.

The Government has put out the actual document for people to read and decide on their own. There is also a get out the vote effort by the government. The down side the document is complex and exceeds the ability of many to understand it. The pro Thaksin group is taking advantage of it and telling the people who can’t understand it to vote no and likely tossing cash around to help the decision making process. It is that the government is cracking down on.

If there is a layman version for people to read, it would be helpful in getting a honest vote.

I admit I could be wrong as I don’t know what all the government ad’s say and some could be bias to vote yes.

[jumnien]

It's completely absurd to think that only Thaksin loyalists don't want to approve the military's constitution. Read the newspapers and you'll read many who dislike Thaksin's administration but do not in any way support the military overthrow or its attempts to dominate Thai politics indefinitely.

[Mid]

I admit I could be wrong as I don’t know what all the government ad’s say and some could be bias to vote yes.

from your cite JK , just passed where you ceased to cut 'n paste ...............

He claimed that the Public Health Ministry had bribed their staff by paying 300 baht to participate in a campaign supporting the charter, which will be organised on Monday.

[John K]

Yes mid you are correct, I missed that one. No excuse on my part for this error. I should have started from the top again after I was interrupted by a call. So to rephrase “going after the over zealous from any camp” I think would apply.

[Mid]

“going after the over zealous from any camp”

works for me

[Plus]

It's completely absurd to think that only Thaksin loyalists don't want to approve the military's constitution. Read the newspapers and you'll read many who dislike Thaksin's administration but do not in any way support the military overthrow or its attempts to dominate Thai politics indefinitely.

I don't think you will find "many". They are vocal, however, and press is eager to interview them, but if their Bangkok rallies is anything to go by, the numbers are in hundreds, not even thousands.

It's a lost cause, the faster the new constitution is adopted, the faster return to democracy will be. Midnight University's well publicised arguments make sense but are impracitical.

The whole vote-buying-propaganda stuff is the real life of Thai politics. I bet 99% of people haven't read the constiution at all and thus do not have an educated opinion.

As usual Thais let poo yais decide what's best for them, and pooyais then battle for supporters.

Democracy is simply incompatible with Thai politics.