EC issues warning of “can do” and “cannot do” on referendum day

[rooster59]

EC issues warning of “can do” and “cannot do” on referendum day

 

 

BANGKOK:-- Voters are warned not to “selfie” themselves with their smart phones at the polling units when they cast their votes this Sunday because the practice is illegal, said election commissioner Somchai Srisutthiyakorn on Friday.

 

And even if there is no law prohibiting the wearing of shirts with the words “yes” or “no” printed on them, he advised voters not to wear them on the referendum day because, if that provokes a quarrel or an argument, then they may be deemed violating the referendum law.

 

Mr Somchai also warned Suthep Thuangsuban and Jatuporn Promphan, the two political arch rivals, to refrain from making public statements after 6 pm on Saturday in a way which can be seen as suggesting how the voters should vote in the referendum.

 

Constitution Drafting Committee chairman Meechai Richupan, meanwhile, said he would not regret if the draft charter fails to survive the referendum because he had done his best and it would be the people who decide to accept or to not accept the draft.

 

He also made clear that he would not get involved in the drafting of another charter if the current draft is rejected.

 

The CDC chairman also hailed Prime Minister Prayut Chan-ocha’s announcement to vote for the draft as a “very positive” sign.

 

Source: http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/175167-2/

 

 

 

-- © Copyright Thai PBS 2016-08-06

[baboon]

Let's cut to the chase here: Any dissent, even actions the authorities choose to perceive as dissent, are punishable even if no law has actually been broken.

Any 'illegal' actions on the other side will have a blind eye turned to it, will be accepted as legal or at worst may result in a mild telling off for show. No? Let's wait and see how many people who openly support the charter are sent to prison in that case.

[taichiplanet]

asking many younger folk not to take a selfie is like asking them to refrain from having sex.

[waldroj]

"...And even if there is no law prohibiting the wearing of shirts with the words “yes” or “no” printed on them, he advised voters not to wear them on the referendum day because, if that provokes a quarrel or an argument, then they may be deemed violating the referendum law..."

 

So, election commissioner Somchai's double-talk suggests that in Thailand, the Dress Code may be part of the Criminal Code!

 

And, what do the social media think of that?

[NongKhaiKid]

48 minutes ago, taichiplanet said:

asking many younger folk not to take a selfie is like asking them to refrain from having sex.

Just as well the ban is only for the referendum as if it was to be extended I'd  hate to think of the reaction,     possibly one of the only things that would get people out on the streets these days and if the govt was to interfere with social media on a major scale,     take cover.     

 

What's really annoying is people taking photos of their food,  cups of coffee etc and sending them to me and when I ask them to stop it's amazing how upset,  even nasty,  they get.

[shirtless]

Has Prayut been following the North Korean doctrine, This guy is a control freak ,  

[Thechook]

28 minutes ago, shirtless said:

Has Prayut been following the North Korean doctrine, This guy is a control freak ,  

He certainly is.

[Thechook]

5 hours ago, taichiplanet said:

asking many younger folk not to take a selfie is like asking them to refrain from having sex.

How is a selfie a danger to Prayuth and his regime?  A selfie/momento of one's self is hardly a threat to national security neither is a party at ones private residence which are also banned over the weekend.

[cmsally]

Can I invite Boris Johnson for tea, or would that be against the law.

He has a bit of experience in these matters.

[Lupatria]

No YES or NO shirts. Does it mean I have to borrow a swastika T-shirt tomorrow from one of the shitake kids in the hood?

[Lupatria]

10 minutes ago, Thechook said:

How is a selfie a danger to Prayuth and his regime?  A selfie/momento of one's self is hardly a threat to national security neither is a party at ones private residence which are also banned over the weekend.

How is a selfie a danger to Prayuth and his regime?

 

The same way as eating a sandwich in public is deemed a danger to his regime.

[manarak]

For equality before the Law, I then hope no political figures will allow their picture to be taken when they vote...

[waldroj]

Oh shit - we're headed for the slammer!

Just as well it wasn't a selfie we took at the Aus Embassy in BKK during the recent Federal Election.

[phil2407]

Why not just print t-shirt

Charter - Constitution 

YES ? or NO ?? 

That's not opinionated just good reason for making money 

[waldroj]

phil2407,

Hedging your bets, or just hegemony?

[elgordo38]

I see he threw Herr Suthep's name into the mix for good measure. I am sure he has been well looked after for his marching demonstrations and interference in the last legal election Thailand had. Do people really return as cockroaches in the next life??

[Srikcir]

22 hours ago, rooster59 said:

refrain from making public statements after 6 pm on Saturday in a way which can be seen as suggesting how the voters should vote in the referendum.

 

22 hours ago, rooster59 said:

The CDC chairman also hailed Prime Minister Prayut Chan-ocha’s announcement to vote for the draft as a “very positive” sign.

Prayut is above refrainment. While Prayut says he's just a normal citizen, he and the CDC know better.

[baboon]

8 minutes ago, Srikcir said:

 

Prayut is above refrainment. While Prayut says he's just a normal citizen, he and the CDC know better.

Just like Suthep who has been enjoying an impartial chinwag with reporters on T.V...

[mtls2005]

Can do: Vote Yes

 

Cannot do: Vote No

 

Finally the EC issues clear rules.