Gov't backs down on referendum due to legal obstacles

BANGKOK: -- Backing down from the prime minister's earlier proposal, the government will not hold a referendum to sound out the popular view on its constitution amendment proposal because of legal complications, a deputy prime minister said Tuesday.

Wissanu Krea-Ngam, assigned the task by Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, following the cabinet meeting said he will take several days considering other means to measure public opinion on the issue.

''It is rather complicated to hold a referendum under [existing] constitutional law," Mr. Wissanu said. "We could find other ways to do it such as putting the question on the internet.

"However, it is still too early to say what is what. I need time to think and to talk to the National Election Commssion,'' said the deputy prime minister.

Under the constitution, a referendum needs both a cabinet resolution and the issue must be a national problem, Mr. Wissanu said.

''By law, the government will assign the election body to carry out the task, like organising an election -- and it needs three months. If it cannot be held at the same time with the election for Senators in

April, we will have to do it separately,'' he said.

Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra earlier suggested that a referendum be held in April when voters cast ballots for senators to save the nation money.

''The government is not trying to buy time," Mr. Wissanu explained.

"It is difficult to do anything now that current senators are leaving and parliament will be on recess,'' he said.

Responding to a query, he said the electoral ballot question would focus only on whether or not the public agrees to the proposal and leave out complicated details.

''We cannot ask more than just a 'yes' or 'no' question because the general public doesn't deeply understand it. Even a professor might find it difficult to explain,'' he said.

--TNA 2006-02-14

... and leave out complicated details.

Details that might prompt an unwanted response from the people...?

So why'd he open his big mouth , again, and propose this on his weekly "hit me in the face with a hammer instead" radio show last Saturday?

When will they stop having these ideas and suddenly make an official announcement when they haven't figured out how to proceed yet???

Again this week, MCOT radio news mentioned the ministry of finance will make major changes to the tax system but don't know yet how they will proceed...

So why'd he open his big mouth , again, and propose this on his weekly "hit me in the face with a hammer instead" radio show last Saturday?

When will they stop having these ideas and suddenly make an official announcement when they haven't figured out how to proceed yet???

Again this week, MCOT radio news mentioned the ministry of finance will make major changes to the tax system but don't know yet how they will proceed...

Yep. They love it : it's the "blablabla policy".

People and journalist love it.

Great speech, delirious projects.. and eventually absolutly no idea of what's going on...

Only talk-talk. They don't even know their constitution.

My wife laughs when I compare it to a beatifully decorated giftbox with nothing inside...

Minister Suranan insisted that public opinion has to be gathered on constitutional amendments.

Minister attached to the Prime Minister’s Office, Suranan Vejjajiva (สุรนันทน์ เวชชาชีวะ) insisted that public opinion must be gauged on constitutional amendments, adding that if a referendum cannot be carried out along with the Senate Election, it can be done in other formats.

Mr. Suranan said that the people’s opinion is very important in carrying out constitutional amendments. He said that deputy Prime Minister Wisanu Krua-ngarm (วิษณุ เครืองาม) is deliberating how best the public opinion can be gathered. He said that the government wants to find out first whether the people want to make changes to the Charter, and if so, the government is ready to push for the amendments.

Mr. Suranan expressed opinion that if the Election Commission cannot carry out a referendum on April 19, which is also a day for Senate Election, public opinion can be gathered in the focus group format.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 16 Febuary 2006

Mr. Suranand insists public votes are needed for the constitutional amendment

The Minister attached to the Prime Minister’s Office, Mr. Suranand Vejjajiva(สุรนันทน์ เวชชาชีวะ) affirmed that people opinions are needed for the constitutional amendment and stated that if general public cannot be asked about the Senatorial election then they could be asked in some other forms.

Mr. Suranand revealed that currently Deputy Prime Minister Wissanu Krea-Ngam (วิษณุ เครืองาม) is considering about the public hearing form and that the authorities will have to know whether people would really like the constitute to be reformed.

If people still insist that constitute should be amended that the government is willing to support such opinions.

However, he personally views that if Election Commission fails to conduct public hearing on the day of Senatorial election (19 April 2006) then the public hearing can be conducted in the form of Group Focus.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 16 Febuary 2006

I don't watch the soap operas on Thai television. I just read the news clippings. They're much funnier, and slightly less violent.

Dr.Surapong says the meeting held between the govt and the president of universities is to gather opinion for constitutional amendment

Government Spokesperson Surapong Suebwonglee (สุรพงษ์ สืบวงศ์ลี) indicated that the meeting, which will be held tomorrow (17/02/2006) between the government and rectors of both private and government universities, aims to gather various academics' opinions constitutional amendment.

Dr. Surapong revealed that Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra has invited rectors from universities across the country to a meeting tomorrow. They will discuss the issue of constitutional amendment at the Government House, and the ideas and suggestions from this meeting will then be considered.

Dr. Surapong said such action is deemed good and currently some of the universities’ rectors have accepted the invitation. In the short run, certain people might view that the invitation of the academics is to slow down current political situation.

The Government Spokesperson affirmed that the government has no intention to interfere with the perspectives of the academics and the students who are making the movement.

He said the government will consider people benefits. Therefore, everyone should express opinions whether the constitution should be amended or not.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 16 Febuary 2006