CDC spokesman explains planned referendum to Deputy Sec-Gen of UN

BANGKOK, 5 July 2016 (NNT) - The spokesman of the Constitution Drafting Commission has met with the Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations to offer an explanation regarding the upcoming public referendum on the proposed new constitution.

CDC spokesman Norachit Sinhaseni said that he represented the Thai government in meetings with the UN Deputy Secretary-General last week in New York.

Mr. Norachit said that the meeting was intended to help the UN obtain a better understanding of Thailand’s political situation ahead of the upcoming referendum, particularly concerning the Public Referendum Act, which stipulates the types of activities that are and are not allowed.

The CDC spokesman said that he had assured the UN that Thailand will definitely hold a general election in 2017, whether or not the draft charter passes the public referendum, in order to stay in line with the national reform road map.

He added that the UN Deputy Secretary-General has expressed concerns over developments in Thailand and is anxious for the people to have the opportunity to express their opinions freely and to participate more in the political process.

-- NNT 2016-07-05

I thought Prayuth said the U.N already understood and supported it.

This would be the Thai explanation and I can see the bored look on the Deputy Sec - Gen face, also I notice not one mention of his name in this item...........................

whether or not the draft charter passes the public referendum

This statement probably should have been avoided with the UN DSG. While true that the NCPO makes it clear public support isn't required for an endorsed charter, it indicates a willingness to bypass public participation in the referendum process expected by the UN.