First forum on draft charter hears a slew of concerns

BANGKOK, 27 May 2016 (NNT) – Members of the public have voiced concerned over public freedoms, education and the election system at the first in a series of discussions on the draft charter, asking for mechanisms to be put in place to allow for questioning of the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO).

At the first in a series of public forums to discuss the draft constitution, members of the public participating in the talk gave their opinion that the government should not set strategies 20 years in advance as they may not apply to the circumstances of the future. They asked that public input be sought periodically to inform government work.

The forum also heard concerns over the origin of Members of Parliament and Senators that the proposed system may favor larger parties. A question was also posed as to what would happen if the draft constitution does not pass public referendum.

Another matter brought up was the selection of independent organizations with the forum hearing that public groups should be allowed to choose organization members. Forum attendants also said they were fearful allowing the NCPO to maintain power until a new government is formed may impact public freedoms. They said mechanisms should be included for a system of checks and balances against the NCPO.


-- NNT 2016-05-27

a system of checks and balances against the NCPO

One would think a constitution would do that.

But sovereignty of the Thai military outweighs the sovereignty of the Thai People and never shall the twain meet.

How many members of the public, 5?

Are those who raised concerns still free ?

A question was also posed as to what would happen if the draft constitution does not pass public referendum.

No Answer? If so that in itself would be very telling. I would think the safest answer from the forum moderators (CDC & EC?) would be that Prayut will decide the next course of action.

Otherwise they could quote Gen. Wisanu's May response to the same question,"if the draft is rejected in the referendum ... the election would be delayed but it would not be for long." Still sufficiently vague.

What's the hurry in holding "forums" to get "public feedback"?

Just put out a graphic novel, show a few cartoons on TV showing how this charter will make everyone "happy", and hold a forum on August 8 to let everyone know the charter passed.

It is of little value putting out a revised constitution that's full of concerns ,it is a bit like the Thaksin Shinawatra constitution revised edition 600, 04 it just leads to problems , these same concerns that the people brought up are identical to those voiced here , and yet the NCPO knowingly has done nothing to address these concerns, going on as if the population were somewhere else, the chance to bring to their attention checks and balances on the NCPO must have set a few alarm bells ringing , and with just cause............................... .

You gotta love the NNT!

- irrelevant photo

- no date or location for the event

- no indication of who conducted the event

- no estimate of the number of attendees

- no indication of the use of the feedback

- no indication of future events

Other than those few deficiencies, the article was "highly informative"! Thank you, NNT!

Are those who raised concerns still free ?

Maybe so far but I'm sure the military knows where they live, where they work and which schools their children go to.

"First forum on draft charter hears a slew of concerns"

So what! The charter has been written, copies have been printed, teachers etc have been "educated", and the ballot tickets have been printed plus the referendum date is final.

Therefore, complain as much as you want because the military ain't changing anything.

"First forum on draft charter hears a slew of concerns"

So what! The charter has been written, copies have been printed, teachers etc have been "educated", and the ballot tickets have been printed plus the referendum date is final.

Therefore, complain as much as you want because the military ain't changing anything.

Oh I'm sure the NCPO is willing to delay the referendum for another year if the public thinks that's a good idea

"First forum on draft charter hears a slew of concerns"

So what! The charter has been written, copies have been printed, teachers etc have been "educated", and the ballot tickets have been printed plus the referendum date is final.

Therefore, complain as much as you want because the military ain't changing anything.

Oh I'm sure the NCPO is willing to delay the referendum for another year if the public thinks that's a good idea

I'm sure you're right. But they are changing imperceptibly as the pressure ramps up. They're doing lots of things I did not think they would, but thought they should. It's fear.

They do say that a frog being cooked does not notice the temperature rising if it happens slowly. I see the NCPO changing and hoping the population are like frogs.

Your posts too. Change is a funny thing sometimes, it kind of creeps up on you.

Unlike the junta. There's nothing very nice in their tea-leaves and I think that realisation is dawning on them.

W

"First forum on draft charter hears a slew of concerns"

So what! The charter has been written, copies have been printed, teachers etc have been "educated", and the ballot tickets have been printed plus the referendum date is final.

Therefore, complain as much as you want because the military ain't changing anything.

Oh I'm sure the NCPO is willing to delay the referendum for another year if the public thinks that's a good idea

I'm sure you're right. But they are changing imperceptibly as the pressure ramps up. They're doing lots of things I did not think they would, but thought they should. It's fear.

They do say that a frog being cooked does not notice the temperature rising if it happens slowly. I see the NCPO changing and hoping the population are like frogs.

Your posts too. Change is a funny thing sometimes, it kind of creeps up on you.

Unlike the junta. There's nothing very nice in their tea-leaves and I think that realisation is dawning on them.

W

"They're doing lots of things I did not think they would, but thought they should. It's fear."

This sentence needs rephrasing I think.

"First forum on draft charter hears a slew of concerns"

So what! The charter has been written, copies have been printed, teachers etc have been "educated", and the ballot tickets have been printed plus the referendum date is final.

Therefore, complain as much as you want because the military ain't changing anything.

Oh I'm sure the NCPO is willing to delay the referendum for another year if the public thinks that's a good idea

I'm sure you're right. But they are changing imperceptibly as the pressure ramps up. They're doing lots of things I did not think they would, but thought they should. It's fear.

They do say that a frog being cooked does not notice the temperature rising if it happens slowly. I see the NCPO changing and hoping the population are like frogs.

Your posts too. Change is a funny thing sometimes, it kind of creeps up on you.

Unlike the junta. There's nothing very nice in their tea-leaves and I think that realisation is dawning on them.

W

"They're doing lots of things I did not think they would, but thought they should. It's fear."

This sentence needs rephrasing I think.

Not really, it says what I intended. Thanks anyway.