Broadcasters to Host 6 Charter Debates, Govt 7

[webfact]

Broadcasters to Host 6 Charter Debates, Govt 7
By Pravit Rojanaphruk
Senior Staff Writer


A military-sponsored campaign in Korat last month urged voters to cast their vote in the referendum on the draft constitution set for Aug. 7.

BANGKOK — Six broadcasters will host televised debates on the draft charter featuring the panelists of their choice, the head of the election commission said today.

Discarding its previous plan to organize its own series of debates, the Election Commission’s Somchai Srisuthiyakorn said Tuesday that the six traditional broadcasters would be instructed to organize the forums, each focusing on different topics to be decided on Wednesday.

Full story: http://www.khaosodenglish.com/detail.php?newsid=1464104931&typecate=06&section=


-- Khaosod English 2016-05-25

[NongKhaiKid]

Will there be a blanket clearance for comments to be made given all the threats about no criticism etc. ?

If assurances are given panelists can speak freely can the govt be trusted ?

Panelists of choice but suitably vetted ?

[Srikcir]

Chairman Somchai said, it would be better to frame it with a less confrontational word. “Let’s not use the word ‘debate’ but stick to ‘symposium’ instead”

I'd use the word "farce."

[Plutojames88]

There will be no opposing side .

At best there will be a scripted very clear ""silly objection"" made in a manner that it will be insinuated only fools vote NO and only an ""idiot"" would see this wonder charter as less than their patriotic duty to vote yes for ?

The dangers of a debate would be far too dangerous for the military.

Every utterance will be crafted by masters in Communist China and spun for domestic market.

The flag and anthems and Military pomp and the high end of town elitist show.

This is no more than a carefully staged managed propaganda piece.

Forced on screens and the opposition muted.

We're there any opposition the frame work of navigating around what constitutes a National security Threat and / or being rude or not explaining sufficiently their case , is too hard.

The punishment of arrest and ten years jail too imposing.

About the same time I envision international support for People like TS and YS speaking out against it.

Academics and human rights groups.

It won't be a totally blanked event.

However this TV one will be

[tuanku]

Will we get the lady concerned about autistic kids and their rights? Maybe a muslim cleric from Pattani? a couple of the red-shirt old guard? or a well spoken student from New Democracy? or a prominent University professor from Thammasat? against Suthep? Issara? the PM himself?

Will they compare this charter with previous ones like the "peoples charter of 1997" (correct me if wrong but I think the last one which involved the whole population in drawing it up)

probably not

featuring the panelists of their choice

Expect a lively debate when Admiral A comes up against General G on the panel. I anticipate a wide divergence of political persuasions!