Public can register for right to speak out on draft charter

[webfact]

Public Can Register for Right to Speak Out on Draft Charter
By Pravit Rojanaphruk
Senior Staff Writer


A man dressed as a Muay Thai fighter 'knocks out' a man representing the previous junta in a campaign opposing its 2007 draft constitution in a June 2007 file photo.

BANGKOK — Those planning to speak out publicly in the run-up to a vote on the junta-sponsored draft charter must formally register or risk arrest, Election Commissioner Somchai Srisuthiyakorn warns.

To avoid violating the junta’s ban on political gatherings, anyone who wants to take a stand for or against the proposed constitution should visit the commission to register the details of where, when and how they plan to express themselves, the commissioner said Monday.

Full story: http://www.khaosodenglish.com/detail.php?newsid=1458041144&typecate=06&section=


-- Khaosod English 2016-03-16

[Somtamnication]

Super idea. But can people speak their mind or only champagne and flowers?

[sjaak327]

unbelievable, register the right to speak out on charter. Maybe they plan on sending those registering to an attitude adjustment session preemptively?

[phoenixdoglover]

Just a month ago, "unbiased" criticism was allowed. Now, registration is required to exercise a right that is certainly described in that same Charter upon which you would be commentating.

Not only is that ironic, it is really, really sad.

Edited March 15, 2016 by phoenixdoglover

[NongKhaiKid]

There's an old saying ' Know Thine Enemy ' and here's a classic example, imagine having to register to express a comment !

What price democracy and freedom of speech ?

Anyone who registers will likely be visited, asked what they want to say and if appropriate ' advised ' against doing so, can't have criticism now can we ?

The D word, and I don't mean democracy, is banned on this forum !

[Thechook]

So where does one register for an opinion. I heard it was in room 14 between arguments and abuse and across the hallway from the dept of silly walks. 50 baht per opinion or 10k for an extended opinion in the dept of attitude adjustment in room 21.

Monty Python couldn't write this stuff.

Edited March 16, 2016 by Thechook

[Lupatria]

Reminds me on Singapore- a "speakers corner" right next to a police station...

[BlindMagician]

Hichahorhip

Sums it up perfectly.

[MZurf]

This should make the junta supporters SO proud. I'm sure one of them will be around soon telling us that this is all necessary due to the bogeyman in Dubai.

[tomacht8]

Hopefully all thais go to visit the commission to register, to were their right of free speech.
Would love to see how that works organizationally for the first 500,000.

[Eric Loh]

Reminds me on Singapore- a "speakers corner" right next to a police station...

Misinformation must be addressed. Singapore speaker corner is in a park called Hong Lim. Only trees and grass and no police station. The registration for speakers is in Kreta Ayer PS which is about 10-12 km away from the park. It is necessary for speakers to register their intention to speak but no requirement for the police to be informed of the topic.

[iReason]

How generous of them.

Never forget what lies under their Dr. No camouflage...

[DrTuner]

Do you get a nice little armband with a star on it for registering?

[candide]

Isn't the EC supposed to be an independent and neutral organisation?