NEW CONSTITUTION
Website invites public debate on draft charter amendments
Wiraj Sripong
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- AMIDST draft charter debates by members of junta-appointed institutions, a website has been set up so the public can debate the charter amendments they would like to see implemented.

The website - prachamati.org - was launched on Tuesday by alternative online media organisations prachatai and ThaiPublica, who have joined hands with Mahidol University's Institute of Human Rights and Peace Studies and law-reform watchdog iLaw.

"[The website] is an alternative website that aims at increasing public awareness [on the draft charter]," said Gothom Arya, an academic at the Institute of Human Rights and Peace Studies

He added that the initiative aimed to identify charter issues at the centre of public interest and how people wanted them amended.

Gothom expects the website to add more dynamics to the debate and allow more public participation in the amendment of the charter draft.

Chuwat Rerksirisuk, director of Prachatai's Media Learning Centre, a partner of the new website, explained that the move aimed to create a virtual platform where people could receive information about the pros and cons of each debated issue, exchange views and vote.

Viewers can click "agree" or "disagree" on each topic debated before writing their comments.

Gothom said it remained to be seen whether the suggestions would be submitted for consideration to the premier and the head of the National Council for Peace and Order, General Prayut Chan-o-cha.

He said an editorial team would monitor the level of public participation on the website.

Platform for ideas

Chuwat said: "What matters most is the content of the debate. Our intention is to create a platform for the exchange of idea - we are not focusing that much on the voting results."

Each week the editorial team will select around eight topics and post them on the website.

Issues will be selected based on current debates by charter drafters and what is deemed critical for people who have joined the virtual forum.

Debated issues will be for public discussion for around 30 days before the team will evaluate them.

This week the highlighted issues include the nomination of a non-elected prime minister, the establishment of the controversial watchdog - the National Ethics Assembly - and organising a referendum on the draft charter.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/politics/Website-invites-public-debate-on-draft-charter-ame-30259581.html

-- The Nation 2015-05-09

In addition, those posting negative comments will be charged under the Computer Crimes Act and could be lucky enough to win up to 10 years free bed and board.

Opening up a web site to the public is an invitation to disaster. Like, the powers that be will actually read and consider posts from any yahoo with a smart phone and a wifi connection? I mean, look at THIS forum!