Academics say Referendum Act violates public freedom

BANGKOK, 13 May 2016 (NNT) - Deputy Prime Minister Wissanu Krea-ngam has said the referendum on the draft charter will be carried out under the Referendum Act, which has come under fire from a group of academics.

A group of academics will file a complaint at the Office of the Ombudsman after they decided that the Referendum Act violates public freedoms. Dr. Wissanu said the law will remain effective for the time being, until the Constitutional Court rules that it infringes on the freedom of expression.

He added that unless there are any changes before August 7, when the referendum on the draft charter is held, everyone must abide by the Referendum Act.


-- NNT 2016-05-13

Everything the junta does violates Thai people rights. They can either get used to it or stand up en masse to the junta and remove these clowns once and for all.

Everything the junta does violates Thai people rights. They can either get used to it or stand up en masse to the junta and remove these clowns once and for all.

unfortunately as much as I hate to say it but there are quite a few mouths that need to be silenced and their activities kept in check in Thailand - that is the reality

Everything the junta does violates Thai people rights. They can either get used to it or stand up en masse to the junta and remove these clowns once and for all.

unfortunately as much as I hate to say it but there are quite a few mouths that need to be silenced and their activities kept in check in Thailand - that is the reality

Nobody should be silenced, however if they are doing something illegal then they should be charged. This failure, where rules are made up to suit, or only enforced against select groups, or to suit a particular agenda is the main cause of all Thai problems.

Its not getting better, it is becoming dangerous.

Everything the junta does violates Thai people rights. They can either get used to it or stand up en masse to the junta and remove these clowns once and for all.

unfortunately as much as I hate to say it but there are quite a few mouths that need to be silenced and their activities kept in check in Thailand - that is the reality

Nobody should be silenced, however if they are doing something illegal then they should be charged. This failure, where rules are made up to suit, or only enforced against select groups, or to suit a particular agenda is the main cause of all Thai problems.

Its not getting better, it is becoming dangerous.

well that is your opinion I however disagree, free so called speech and expression that people constantly throw around this forum doesn't exist and as the world faces and ever increasing threat from radical groups and those that seek to influence others down a less than savory path governments will be increasing controls on what people are allowed to say and do - it is already happening, if you think Thailand is some sort of special case well recent history says different, violence and death can erupt here very quickly and for now tight controls are in place which I agree with

Edited May 13, 201610 yr by smedly

Everything the junta does violates Thai people rights. They can either get used to it or stand up en masse to the junta and remove these clowns once and for all.

unfortunately as much as I hate to say it but there are quite a few mouths that need to be silenced and their activities kept in check in Thailand - that is the reality

Nobody should be silenced, however if they are doing something illegal then they should be charged. This failure, where rules are made up to suit, or only enforced against select groups, or to suit a particular agenda is the main cause of all Thai problems.

Its not getting better, it is becoming dangerous.

well that is your opinion I however disagree, free so called speech and expression that people constantly throw around this forum doesn't exist and as the world faces and ever increasing threat from radical groups and those that seek to influence others down a less than savory path governments will be increasing controls on what people are allowed to say and do - it is already happening, if you think Thailand is some sort of special case well recent history says different, violence and death can erupt here very quickly and for now tight controls are in place which I agree with

Oh, the irony.

unfortunately as much as I hate to say it but there are quite a few mouths that need to be silenced and their activities kept in check in Thailand - that is the reality

Nobody should be silenced, however if they are doing something illegal then they should be charged. This failure, where rules are made up to suit, or only enforced against select groups, or to suit a particular agenda is the main cause of all Thai problems.

Its not getting better, it is becoming dangerous.

well that is your opinion I however disagree, free so called speech and expression that people constantly throw around this forum doesn't exist and as the world faces and ever increasing threat from radical groups and those that seek to influence others down a less than savory path governments will be increasing controls on what people are allowed to say and do - it is already happening, if you think Thailand is some sort of special case well recent history says different, violence and death can erupt here very quickly and for now tight controls are in place which I agree with

Oh, the irony.

irony ?

I grew up in a part of the world where bombs guns and murder on the streets was a part of my childhood and in fact most of my life, I know exactly what conflict is and I also know how it starts and how it is propagated, you think I don't know what is going on in this country - I am probably one of the most qualified here to see it for what it is, there is evil at work in Thailand and it needs to be very carefully managed

Nobody should be silenced, however if they are doing something illegal then they should be charged. This failure, where rules are made up to suit, or only enforced against select groups, or to suit a particular agenda is the main cause of all Thai problems.

Its not getting better, it is becoming dangerous.

well that is your opinion I however disagree, free so called speech and expression that people constantly throw around this forum doesn't exist and as the world faces and ever increasing threat from radical groups and those that seek to influence others down a less than savory path governments will be increasing controls on what people are allowed to say and do - it is already happening, if you think Thailand is some sort of special case well recent history says different, violence and death can erupt here very quickly and for now tight controls are in place which I agree with

Oh, the irony.

irony ?

I grew up in a part of the world where bombs guns and murder on the streets was a part of my childhood and in fact most of my life, I know exactly what conflict is and I also know how it starts and how it is propagated, you think I don't know what is going on in this country - I am probably one of the most qualified here to see it for what it is, there is evil at work in Thailand and it needs to be very carefully managed

".... there is evil at work in Thailand and it needs to be very carefully managed"

Yes, evil managed by evil. What could go wrong?

unfortunately as much as I hate to say it but there are quite a few mouths that need to be silenced and their activities kept in check in Thailand - that is the reality

Nobody should be silenced, however if they are doing something illegal then they should be charged. This failure, where rules are made up to suit, or only enforced against select groups, or to suit a particular agenda is the main cause of all Thai problems.

Its not getting better, it is becoming dangerous.

well that is your opinion I however disagree, free so called speech and expression that people constantly throw around this forum doesn't exist and as the world faces and ever increasing threat from radical groups and those that seek to influence others down a less than savory path governments will be increasing controls on what people are allowed to say and do - it is already happening, if you think Thailand is some sort of special case well recent history says different, violence and death can erupt here very quickly and for now tight controls are in place which I agree with

Oh, the irony.

irony ?

I grew up in a part of the world where bombs guns and murder on the streets was a part of my childhood and in fact most of my life, I know exactly what conflict is and I also know how it starts and how it is propagated, you think I don't know what is going on in this country - I am probably one of the most qualified here to see it for what it is, there is evil at work in Thailand and it needs to be very carefully managed

Please then smedly, inform the unqualified here by telling us how you are seeing it for what it is?

What is it?

What are you seeing?

What are the rest of us not seeing?

Help us to understand.

unfortunately as much as I hate to say it but there are quite a few mouths that need to be silenced and their activities kept in check in Thailand - that is the reality

Nobody should be silenced, however if they are doing something illegal then they should be charged. This failure, where rules are made up to suit, or only enforced against select groups, or to suit a particular agenda is the main cause of all Thai problems.

Its not getting better, it is becoming dangerous.

well that is your opinion I however disagree, free so called speech and expression that people constantly throw around this forum doesn't exist and as the world faces and ever increasing threat from radical groups and those that seek to influence others down a less than savory path governments will be increasing controls on what people are allowed to say and do - it is already happening, if you think Thailand is some sort of special case well recent history says different, violence and death can erupt here very quickly and for now tight controls are in place which I agree with

Oh, the irony.

irony ?

I am probably one of the most qualified here to see it for what it is, there is evil at work in Thailand and it needs to be very carefully managed

Are you an exorcist?

I do not believe that the interim charter currently in effect grants any rights of freedom of speech/expression/gathering, etc., to the people.

Further, the Constitutional Court is not granted any ability to review NLA-passed legislation.

In the case where the question concerning the decision under paragraph one arises in the affairs of the National Legislative Assembly, it shall be decided by the National Legislative Assembly. If the question does not arise in the affairs of the National Legislative Assembly, the National Council for Peace and Order, the Council of Ministers, the Supreme Court or the Supreme Administrative Court may request the Constitutional Court to make decision thereon, but the request of the Supreme Court or the Supreme Administrative Court shall be approved by the plenary session of the Supreme Court or the Supreme Administrative Court and on the matter related to the trial and adjudication of cases.

Edited May 13, 201610 yr by mtls2005

unfortunately as much as I hate to say it but there are quite a few mouths that need to be silenced and their activities kept in check in Thailand - that is the reality

Nobody should be silenced, however if they are doing something illegal then they should be charged. This failure, where rules are made up to suit, or only enforced against select groups, or to suit a particular agenda is the main cause of all Thai problems.

Its not getting better, it is becoming dangerous.

well that is your opinion I however disagree, free so called speech and expression that people constantly throw around this forum doesn't exist and as the world faces and ever increasing threat from radical groups and those that seek to influence others down a less than savory path governments will be increasing controls on what people are allowed to say and do - it is already happening, if you think Thailand is some sort of special case well recent history says different, violence and death can erupt here very quickly and for now tight controls are in place which I agree with

Oh, the irony.

irony ?

I grew up in a part of the world where bombs guns and murder on the streets was a part of my childhood and in fact most of my life, I know exactly what conflict is and I also know how it starts and how it is propagated, you think I don't know what is going on in this country - I am probably one of the most qualified here to see it for what it is, there is evil at work in Thailand and it needs to be very carefully managed

I'm very sorry, sir. If I had known before that you're an expert on this matter, I wouldn't have pointed out the irony in your post.

unfortunately as much as I hate to say it but there are quite a few mouths that need to be silenced and their activities kept in check in Thailand - that is the reality

Nobody should be silenced, however if they are doing something illegal then they should be charged. This failure, where rules are made up to suit, or only enforced against select groups, or to suit a particular agenda is the main cause of all Thai problems.

Its not getting better, it is becoming dangerous.

well that is your opinion I however disagree, free so called speech and expression that people constantly throw around this forum doesn't exist and as the world faces and ever increasing threat from radical groups and those that seek to influence others down a less than savory path governments will be increasing controls on what people are allowed to say and do - it is already happening, if you think Thailand is some sort of special case well recent history says different, violence and death can erupt here very quickly and for now tight controls are in place which I agree with

Oh, the irony.

irony ?

I grew up in a part of the world where bombs guns and murder on the streets was a part of my childhood and in fact most of my life, I know exactly what conflict is and I also know how it starts and how it is propagated, you think I don't know what is going on in this country - I am probably one of the most qualified here to see it for what it is, there is evil at work in Thailand and it needs to be very carefully managed

See, I regard your words as both very, very dangerous and offensive. I'm as qualified as you to insist that you are silenced.

But the world is a far better place if I don't do that.

Are you an exorcist?

I have not had the best day of my life today, but, i have to say you have improved the day. Thanks.

Nail,head, hit. Rearrange the words.

Top post.

until the Constitutional Court rules that it infringes on the freedom of expression

That would be the same Court that ruled that the NCPO's Interim Charter was legal and binding on the Thai people after the NCPO abolished the 2007 Constitution. Therefore, NCPO was entitled to immunity from charges of treason in its overthrow of the government under the provisions of the 2007 Constitution and from the still current Penal Code.

For a Court whose origins were from coup d'etat appointments, don't expect decisions that would run counter to its benefactors.

I suspect those academics will be wisked away to some army barracks for 3 days of attitude adjustment.

Academics ? where did they round them up from ? The educational system is so bad here that most people who graduate from university are well below the English O-Level equivalent Hang on, maybe they were educated overseas, silly me !

Academics ? where did they round them up from ? The educational system is so bad here that most people who graduate from university are well below the English O-Level equivalent Hang on, maybe they were educated overseas, silly me !

If you go onto YouTube and have a look at the videos of FCCT events, you will find plenty of Thais with both intellect and a superb command of English.

"...so called speech and expression that people constantly throw around this forum doesn't exist"

Couldn't get a visa to visit USA? Does have it's problems, but lack of freedom of speech isn't one of them.

Unfortunately it has been left to the academics to once again voice their concern against this referendum just like they had to do against the Thaksin Shinawatra government, it would be a pleasant change if the Thai media grew some goolies and gave them a hand in opposing this charter, the worst that can happen is under section 44 you can be all put away for 10years, now that is really human rights abuse , but it doesn't seem to worry the academic's .............................. .

puppets of foreign puppeteers keep dreaming of overthrowing truly independent Thai government

Edited May 14, 201610 yr by Matt96

unfortunately as much as I hate to say it but there are quite a few mouths that need to be silenced and their activities kept in check in Thailand - that is the reality

Nobody should be silenced, however if they are doing something illegal then they should be charged. This failure, where rules are made up to suit, or only enforced against select groups, or to suit a particular agenda is the main cause of all Thai problems.

Its not getting better, it is becoming dangerous.

well that is your opinion I however disagree, free so called speech and expression that people constantly throw around this forum doesn't exist and as the world faces and ever increasing threat from radical groups and those that seek to influence others down a less than savory path governments will be increasing controls on what people are allowed to say and do - it is already happening, if you think Thailand is some sort of special case well recent history says different, violence and death can erupt here very quickly and for now tight controls are in place which I agree with

Oh, the irony.

irony ?

I grew up in a part of the world where bombs guns and murder on the streets was a part of my childhood and in fact most of my life, I know exactly what conflict is and I also know how it starts and how it is propagated, you think I don't know what is going on in this country - I am probably one of the most qualified here to see it for what it is, there is evil at work in Thailand and it needs to be very carefully managed

I too see evils in the violation of universal values like freedom of speech, human rights and citizens right to decide their future. What are your evils?

puppets of foreign puppeteers keep dreaming of overthrowing truly independent Thai government

Wibble Wibble.

puppets of foreign puppeteers keep dreaming of overthrowing truly independent Thai government

Wibble Wibble.

I would have said "clueless"

Everything the junta does violates Thai people rights. They can either get used to it or stand up en masse to the junta and remove these clowns once and for all.

unfortunately as much as I hate to say it but there are quite a few mouths that need to be silenced and their activities kept in check in Thailand - that is the reality

Point is you can say it..

They cant

Everything the junta does violates Thai people rights. They can either get used to it or stand up en masse to the junta and remove these clowns once and for all.

unfortunately as much as I hate to say it but there are quite a few mouths that need to be silenced and their activities kept in check in Thailand - that is the reality

you never "hate to say it" you love saying it and we have heard you "say it" again and again we all know your unequivocal support for the unelected Junta and THAT is the reality

Everything the junta does violates Thai people rights. They can either get used to it or stand up en masse to the junta and remove these clowns once and for all.

unfortunately as much as I hate to say it but there are quite a few mouths that need to be silenced and their activities kept in check in Thailand - that is the reality

you never "hate to say it" you love saying it and we have heard you "say it" again and again we all know your unequivocal support for the unelected Junta and THAT is the reality

one thing I am 100% sure about is not supporting the funded red terrorists who resort to murder and violence against anyone that stands in their way and they have the cheek to call themselves democratic, for now they have been silenced and kept under strict control, for that I am extremely happy, anyone that gives them support should be ashamed - we know who you are

You unequivocal red supporters need to take a long hard look at how you can justify the violence and murder that has ceased for now

Everything the junta does violates Thai people rights. They can either get used to it or stand up en masse to the junta and remove these clowns once and for all.

unfortunately as much as I hate to say it but there are quite a few mouths that need to be silenced and their activities kept in check in Thailand - that is the reality

What about yourself? Are you OK with being "silenced" and having your "activities kept in check"?

Everything the junta does violates Thai people rights. They can either get used to it or stand up en masse to the junta and remove these clowns once and for all.

unfortunately as much as I hate to say it but there are quite a few mouths that need to be silenced and their activities kept in check in Thailand - that is the reality

you never "hate to say it" you love saying it and we have heard you "say it" again and again we all know your unequivocal support for the unelected Junta and THAT is the reality

one thing I am 100% sure about is not supporting the funded red terrorists who resort to murder and violence against anyone that stands in their way and they have the cheek to call themselves democratic, for now they have been silenced and kept under strict control, for that I am extremely happy, anyone that gives them support should be ashamed - we know who you are

You unequivocal red supporters need to take a long hard look at how you can justify the violence and murder that has ceased for now

The red herring.

Everything the junta does violates Thai people rights. They can either get used to it or stand up en masse to the junta and remove these clowns once and for all.

unfortunately as much as I hate to say it but there are quite a few mouths that need to be silenced and their activities kept in check in Thailand - that is the reality

you never "hate to say it" you love saying it and we have heard you "say it" again and again we all know your unequivocal support for the unelected Junta and THAT is the reality

one thing I am 100% sure about is not supporting the funded red terrorists who resort to murder and violence against anyone that stands in their way and they have the cheek to call themselves democratic, for now they have been silenced and kept under strict control, for that I am extremely happy, anyone that gives them support should be ashamed - we know who you are

You unequivocal red supporters need to take a long hard look at how you can justify the violence and murder that has ceased for now

Smh