Proposed constitutional amendment referendum defended

BANGKOK: -- Thailand's government spokesman on Sunday defended Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra's decision to hold a referendum to amend the constitution on the same day that voters would go to the polls to elect senators in April, saying the plan would save the nation millions of baht.

Dr. Surapong Suebwonglee told reporters on Sunday that the prime minister had assigned officials to consult the Election Commission of Thailand (EC) as it would have to issue ballots on the proposed constitutional amendment so that voters could say ''yes'' or ''no'' to the question at the same time they choose senators on April 19.

The spokesman said the government was not trying to 'buy time' as alleged by the opposition.

"It is two months away and we will have to discuss it," Dr. Surapong said. "It will be the first public referendum to be held under the current constitution,'' the spokesman added, saying that the government would seek further advice from legal experts.

''Public participation is essential. Everyone should have a say about if and how we should amend the constitution,'' he said.

Speaking of the protest against the proposed amendment of Statute 313 by the opposition party and some academics, he said it does not represent the public view toward the plan.

"A public referendum is the way to measure the view of the people in the whole country,'' Dr. Surapong said.

--TNA 2006-02-12

Gee, I don't suppose it would have been important for them to mention what the amendment actually WAS, now would it??? But it's really good they're getting ready for the referendum, and all that. I imagine the ballots will just read as follows:

Should we amend the constitution?

o YES

o NO

"Steven"