Influential messages against constitution 'Not an offence', says DPM

[webfact]

Influential messages against constitution “Not an offence”, says DPM

BANGKOK, 19 April 2016 (NNT) – The distribution of information leading to the disapproval of the new constitution is not considered an offence, unless it is a distortion or misinterpretation of factual information, says the DPM.

Deputy Prime Minister Wissanu Krea-ngam has said regarding the distribution a document entailing the five reasons not to accept the new constitution published by the human rights academics network, that it is considered a reasonable academic comment and therefore not a criminal offense.

He has said the influential messages against the new constitution can be made, if they are not misleading messages or distorted information. He added that comments prior to the referendum are only normal, but whether the constitution passes referendum or not will depend on the decision of 50 million voters.

Commenting on the disapproval of a National Reform Council member regarding the use of the BE 2540 or BE 2550 constitution as alternatives if the new constitution is not approved in the referendum, the Deputy Prime Minister stated that the NCPO will decide on this matter.

The DPM has added that related officials are now gathering information before the Five Rivers group is scheduled to meet. The group will consider the final points of the constitution draft, and report on problems and obstacles experienced by all groups, prior to the scheduled public referendum.


-- NNT 2016-04-19

[Reigntax]

He may need to explain that to his posies who are currently detaining Watana.

The land of another day, another conflicting decision. Just what happens when the inmates take control of the asylum.

[NongKhaiKid]

So only distortions and misinterpretations are offences.

So, pray tell, who is it that decides what a distortion or misinterpretation is ? Rhetorical question.

ANY opposition or criticism whatsoever can easily be labelled as suits the junta's needs.

[Chao Lao Beach]

This vote on the constitution is really going going to get messy, free speech and criticism may not be taken to well by some.

(Not meaning the subject we can not talk about, politics generally I mean)

[leeneeds]

How one see's the questions or interpret's what is written

is justlike a lawyer arguing a point of law,

except here there is no judge to decide on your point of view.

your deviation or argument from what is written

will only lead you to adjustment conversation

having to walk around whispering only breeds fear.

[mtls2005]

Seems to be some confusion within the Junta ranks?

Govt bans campaigns, T-shirts on charter vote

Campaigning for or against the draft constitution, including wearing T-shirts with slogans on them, will not be allowed in the lead-up to the referendum on the charter, a chief government figure said yesterday.

"You can like or dislike (the charter) but don't express it (to the public) and keep it inside your head. Those wearing 'Vote No' or 'Vote Yes' T-shirts will have them taken off," Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwan said.

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/politics/Govt-bans-campaigns-T-shirts-on-charter-vote-30284223.html

[maoro2013]

You can like or dislike (the charter) but don't express it (to the public) and keep it inside your head. Those wearing 'Vote No' or 'Vote Yes' T-shirts will have them taken off," Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwan said.

I thought you be arrested and fined if not wearing a shirt!

[LannaGuy]

BS

[tuanku]

You can like or dislike (the charter) but don't express it (to the public) and keep it inside your head. Those wearing 'Vote No' or 'Vote Yes' T-shirts will have them taken off," Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwan said.

I thought you be arrested and fined if not wearing a shirt!

Only during Songkran.

[tuanku]

They have actually altered this so it is no longer a Yes/No referendum on a new charter, but an either/or referendum between two charters, one of which is being kept secret.

They should really put both alternatives out there for public discussion so the public can choose which of them they prefer [dislike the least]

[Snig27]

Isn't it time this cabal of meatheads headed back to the barracks and polished their tanks or counted their money or whatever generals in the Thai army do day to day? This is going to end very badly for the Thai nation and the Thai people.

[piersbeckett]

Nepotism rearing its ugly head again with 'related officials' gathering information.

[Eric Loh]

Scary that the NCPO is making and interpreting their own rules daily. Selective targeting of PT is blatantly obvious. PT Wattana just wrote on his face book that he is among others who oppose the charter and he was hurl in. The Network of Academics wore a "Vote No" T-shirts and was not an offence. Obvious harrassment and intimidation of junta political enemies. Kiss reconciliation goodbye.

[Tatsujin]

You can like or dislike (the charter) but don't express it (to the public) and keep it inside your head. Those wearing 'Vote No' or 'Vote Yes' T-shirts will have them taken off," Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwan said.

I thought you be arrested and fined if not wearing a shirt!

Only during Songkran.

And only if you're not a Thai.

[tuanku]

Seems to be some confusion within the Junta ranks?

Govt bans campaigns, T-shirts on charter vote

Campaigning for or against the draft constitution, including wearing T-shirts with slogans on them, will not be allowed in the lead-up to the referendum on the charter, a chief government figure said yesterday.

"You can like or dislike (the charter) but don't express it (to the public) and keep it inside your head. Those wearing 'Vote No' or 'Vote Yes' T-shirts will have them taken off," Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwan said.

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/politics/Govt-bans-campaigns-T-shirts-on-charter-vote-30284223.html

This is a nonsense!

How about simple YES or NO t-shirts, or Thumb up, thumb down t-shirts, or tick, cross t-shirts or any other of the many possible versions which don't have a direct reference to the referendum. Even simple yellow/red t-shirts are capable of carrying a message. The way to defeat this is to encourage their own supporters to respond and let anyone who wants to wear the t-shirt of their choice rather than suppress it. maybe they have an idea of how the response from their supporters would compare. Still they could always order all those soldiers to wear vote yes shirts.

[kimamey]

You can like or dislike (the charter) but don't express it (to the public) and keep it inside your head. Those wearing 'Vote No' or 'Vote Yes' T-shirts will have them taken off," Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwan said.

I thought you be arrested and fined if not wearing a shirt!

Yes so more money. Do try and keep up.

[Srikcir]

The distribution of information leading to the disapproval of the new constitution is not considered an offence, unless it is a distortion or misinterpretation of factual information

On April 2^nd Prayut stated, “They (senators) will merely advise the prime minister or the cabinet”

Prayut’s statement is at best an understatement on the role of senators :

The Senate has three main powers - screening legislation passed by the House of Representatives, appointing and removing members of independent organizations (incl. Auditor General and NACC), and impeaching political office holders.

During the five-year transitional period Senators make sure that the reform roadmap and the national strategic plan are implemented by the next government and to counter-balance the elected MPs to prevent the politicians from using their majority vote in the parliament for their vested interests.

During the five-year transitional period the Senate will require the government to report the progress of reforms to the Senate every three months.

Senators will have power to hold a “no confidence” vote against the government.

Who will hold the Prayut government accountable for any distortions or misinterpretation of the draft charter?

Obviously, this is a rhetorical question.

[Jonmarleesco]

'... whether the constitution passes referendum or not will depend on the decision of 50 million voters.' And ve haf vays of making sure it's the right decision. Not so sure about the 50m figure.

[rjcampbe]

So only distortions and misinterpretations are offences.

So, pray tell, who is it that decides what a distortion or misinterpretation is ? Rhetorical question.

I wonder if misleading messages, distortions and misrepresentations arguing in FAVOR of the new constitution are also illegal???

Will be interesting to see how vigorously THAT is enforced...