Thai govt urged to allow more freedom of expression related to draft charter

[webfact]

Govt urged to allow more freedom of expression related to draft charter

BANGKOK, 18 July 2016, (NNT) - Several groups have called on the government to allow more freedom of expression regarding the draft constitution, in order to help the people learn more about the charter.

Talks were held on Sunday regarding freedom of expression on the draft charter. In attendance were Election Commissioner Somchai Srisutthiyakorn, peace academic Kotom Areeya, and representatives from several political parties and academic groups.

Most of the attendees believe that Thais only know that they have to go to the polls on August 7th to cast their ballot in the constitutional referendum. However, they speculate that most remain unaware of the contents of the draft charter, which may become the source of conflict in the future.

Participants of yesterday's talks also indicated that tough regulations may cause people to shy away from going to the polls, out of fear of violating the rules. They concluded that in order to better inform the residents about the draft charter, talks and forums should be organized with a certain degree of freedom.

Election Commissioner Somchai reiterated that people can express their opinions about the draft charter. He clarified that this expression can be in agreement or disagreement, as long as it is based on the truth, made in a polite manner, and does incite social unrest.

Meanwhile in Surat Thani province, a similar conference has been held to educate approximately 400 police officers in the province about the draft charter. Attendees are expected to recognize their role in encouraging Surat Thani locals to vote in the August 7th referendum.


-- NNT 2016-07-18

[waldroj]

"...Election Commissioner Somchai reiterated that people can express their opinions about the draft charter. He clarified that this expression can be in agreement or disagreement, as long as it is based on the truth, made in a polite manner, and does incite social unrest..."

No matter how much they try to make it smell like roses, you still have to watch out for the pricks!

[Thailand]

Plenty of references to democracy/ democratic in the charter but a "yes" vote does not lead to that. A no vote simply appears to lead to another charter which then leads to a referendum that may or may not lead to an election delending on the results of the referendums.

A yes or no vote followed by an election is still likely to end up with the same persons in charge either directly or indirectly. So it simply appears that all this is a waste of time and money as nothing is likely to change.

[Hawk]

"Election Commissioner Somchai reiterated that people can express their opinions about the draft charter. He clarified that this expression can be in agreement or disagreement, as long as it is based on the truth, made in a polite manner, and does incite social unrest."

Well that is a lie as a group of 5 or more people talking about the charter are automatically breaking the law and will be arrested. Posting on the internet gets one done under the computer crimes act.

Truth? The government's version will always be the correct one because any opposing version is both rude(because you disagree with your superiors) and incites social(military) unrest.

[aussieinthailand]

"Election Commissioner Somchai reiterated that people can express their opinions about the draft charter. He clarified that this expression can be in agreement or disagreement, as long as it is based on the truth, made in a polite manner, and does incite social unrest."

Well that is a lie as a group of 5 or more people talking about the charter are automatically breaking the law and will be arrested. Posting on the internet gets one done under the computer crimes act.

Truth? The government's version will always be the correct one because any opposing version is both rude(because you disagree with your superiors) and incites social(military) unrest.

Spot on... That is why they keep putting conditions on the so-called freedom to express opinions on the draft, to suppress open discussion.

[Winniedapu]

Well, the international community will not achieve any changes of heart among the illegal coup d'état government, but I doubt that was the real intention, the real intention is simply to get something on record that can be held against them later on.

Sooner or later the reckoning will start. And that will not be pretty. In my experience, foreign diplomats understand exactly what Think of foreigners and indeed what they think of the IQ of Thais. I don't think they're impressed by either and in the absence of any strategic (geographical) interest, there will come a day when that quality of being unimpressed is brought to Thailand's attention in no uncertain terms.

Winnie

[Hawk]

" Attendees(police) are expected to recognize their role in encouraging Surat Thani locals to vote in the August 7th referendum."

They will be told to "force" the locals to vote yes, that is their "expected" role.

[Jimbo2014]

You are all free to voice opinions... as long as they are the right ones ???. Ahhh the democratic process in action... Thai style!

[Emster23]

I wonder how "several groups" could recommend anything that would slightly go against government fiat. If more than 4 meet, they could be arrested. If they use internet could be charged with computer crimes. Must have been some sort of group phone call?

[tbthailand]

Govt urged to allow more freedom of expression related to draft charter

Government response: "purge the urge"

Seriously folks, it is way too late for any "freedom of expression" in this process. The vote is in 3 weeks. The "roadmap to democracy" is not democratic, so there is no reason to think that the "roadmap" is really meant to lead to "democracy".

It is all a very very bad joke.

[Srikcir]

Even Democrat party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva has expressed concern over the restriction of free expressions regarding the draft charter and the referendum which, he said, may make the draft constitution illegitimate.

Somchai can say whatever he wants but it's the Thai people's perceptions that will prevail. And that perception has been repeatedly reinforced by statements from Dr. Wisanu and Meechai threatening anyone who privately or publically opines against the draft charter.

Edited July 18, 2016 by Srikcir

[williamgeorgeallen]

maybe someone could give some bullet points about this referendum so we could get some idea what it is all about.