Thai Constitution debate to be televised

[webfact]

Constitution Debate To Be Televised
By Pravit Rojanaphruk
Senior Staff Writer


Election Commissioner Somchai Srisutthiyakorn in an undated file photo.

BANGKOK — Opponents of the junta-sponsored draft charter will be limited to pre-recorded studio debates which will be televised nationwide, an elections official said.

In order to ensure a free and fair referendum, the Election Commission will provide a TV platform for debates, Election Commissioner Somchai Srisutthiyakorn said Monday. No public gatherings or forums will be held as the commission fears they are “too risky” and could turn violent, however.

Full story: http://www.khaosodenglish.com/detail.php?newsid=1457343213&typecate=06&section=


-- Khaosod English 2016-03-08

[Snig27]

Surely the army is able to prevent things turning violent - just as they did before the Cxxp.

Oh wait ... back then they went out of their way to ensure they DID turn violent....

[tbthailand]

The programs will be pre-recorded and edited for content, Somchai said, but only to remove any offensive or defamatory statements. “Let me insist that there will be no such editing that will be done in order to benefit a particular side,” he said.

when someone has every reason to lie to you, always pay attention to what they say after the "but"....

[Srikcir]

No public gatherings or forums will be held as the commission fears they are “too risky” and could turn violent

That would be perfect reasoning for NOT holding the referendum.

[SABloke]

Can't wait for.this riveting debate: A, ''I think this new constitution is great''

B,C,D in unison, ''We agree''

D, ''There is one problem though'' !!SCREECH!!

D, ''I think it looks better printed on pink paper''

Collective sigh of relief and rifle is lowered.

A, ''Let's form a committee to deliberate that then...give us 3 months.

[MZurf]

What's the need for this "debate" and referendum at all. Hasn't a Dusit poll confirmed that 99.3 % of the population support Uncle Too??

The article starts with;

"In order to ensure a free and fair referendum...."

And then it goes on to list how this will be neither free nor fair. Ah well, nothing new in junta run Thailand..

[Srikcir]

to ensure a free and fair referendum, the Election Commission will provide a TV platform for debates

But Prayut will not suspend Article 44.

Recent warning from junta spokesman Col. Piyapong Klinpan:

"Anyone who criticizes the new constitution drafted recently by a junta-appointed body risks being summoned for a “discussion” with the military junta ...While discussion of the draft constitution is allowed ...

"anyone who attempts to “distort” the issue will be summoned for a talk .... We will invite them for discussions to create understanding, for the sake of a reconciliatory atmosphere ... We will invite them for a talk on a personal basis."

From USA Jesse Jackson, "Deliberation and debate is the way you stir the soul of our democracy."

The EC debate will have no soul.

[leeneeds]

I will wait for the dust to settle,

a lot of angst is still just below the surface,

scratching the scab too early always makes it bleed,

[GeorgesAbitbol]

Anyway everybody is happy with this new draft and 98% of the thais are also in love with El Dear Generalissimo®, so why a debate?

[tomacht8]

Opponents of the junta-sponsored draft charter will be limited to pre-recorded studio debates which will be televised nationwide, an elections official said.

Pre-recorded is boring.
A live show would be much more entertaining.

[chickenslegs]

Thai Constitution debate to be televised

This is great news for insomniacs.