45 million people are eligible to vote

[dr dave soul monsta]

Some 45 million people were eligible to vote in the referendum but fewer than 70 per cent are expected to cast ballots even though voting is mandatory

Opinion polls and political analysts predict that the referendum will endorse the new charter but the potential margin of victory is unclear.

Opponents are hoping that enough people will vote to reject the new constitution - Thailand's 18th since 1932 when the absolute monarchy was ended - to raise real questions about the military's return to politics.

Thailand has been under a military-appointed "interim" government since September 19, 2006, when the defence forces ousted former premier Thaksin Shinawatra on charges of corruption, undermining the democratic system and dividing the nation.

The coup also annulled Thailand's 1997 constitution, deemed by many to be have been the kingdom's most liberal and participatory charter to date.

Analysts believe that the majority of Thai voters will approve the new constitution because they are weary of the political instability the country has suffered over the last two years, much of it concentrated around Thaksin, one of the most divisive figures in Thailand's recent political history.

Thaksin, a billionaire former telecommunications magnate, came to power on a populist platform in 2001 and proceeded to strengthen his Thai Rak Thai (TRT) Party by merging with other parties and creating a parliamentary majority never before achieved under Thailand's traditional system of weak coalition governments.

Thaksin and the TRT also managed to undermine the independent bodies established by the 1997 charter to act as checks and balances against a stronger executive by manipulating the selection process.

The 1997 constitution, written in the aftermath of a bloody military crackdown on pro-democracy demonstrations in May 1992, aimed primarily at strengthening Thailand's traditionally weak political party system. Some argue it was too successful.

The 2007 charter has been drafted to prevent the rise of another Thaksin-like leader who can monopolize Thailand's political system through wealthy and populist policies.

Opponents to the charter, however, argue that it is a step backward for Thailand's political party system, and that it revives the rule of the traditional elite - the bureaucracy, including the military.

The charter includes an amnesty for the coup makers and, more worrisome, a vague clause that seems to give the military the right to interfere in politics in the future.

[BKK Post ]
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"I don't often agree with the RSPCA as i believe it is an animals duty to be on my plate at supper time"

[tigger]

Only 70 per cent gonna vote eh??? Maybe cos the other 30 per cent are bar girls that work away from their homes and can only vote in their home towns. Just a thought!!!!!

[The understudy]

Hallo Y'all

A small percentages about 10 to 12% rough estimate are Thais who live outside of Thailand. most of them in USA, a major population lives in UK too including now Mr. T. and few 100.000 scattered all over Europe.

Your's the understudy!!!

[HHTel]

I believe whatever the result of this referendum be, it will be inconclusive in the real sense.
There haven't been too many referendi in the world but Thailand in their very first referendum must have the record for the shortest time between the information being presented to the public to the calling of a referendum. A matter of weeks.
The information has never been summarised in a form understood by Joe Public. There have been no public debates for or against. There simply hasn't been enough time for the people to understand what they're voting for.
I'm sure the government understood this when calling for a vote. Once again, the populace have been manipulated and the powers that be will look good!!
TIT

[Nereus]

[Vital Spark]

Oh, well...it's a 'Yes' vote.

The landlady is happy as larry. She's a wise old bird, but I don't think for one moment that she knew what she was voting for. She really hated Taksin, and I guess the amended bits of the 1997 constitution won't really affect her.

There was also a big meeting in the village hall last night. She didn't go. The 'Pu Yai Baan' was probably handing out some reds for a 'No' vote.

The next few days will be interesting. Accusations of corruption, bribery, etc. flying all over the place. Hopefully it won't delay the next election, and surely the newly elected party can write a new constitution if they wish - or is there some kind of time limit?

VS
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'Time flies like an arrow; fruit flies like a banana' -Groucho Marx

[HHTel]

Quite obviously, this referendum was about NO if you liked Taxin and YES if you didn't. Absolutely nothing to do with the proposed constitution.

What a shame!

[STEVE G]

If it is a yes, then one of the controversial changes that has been agreed to is article 309 of the 2007 constitution that basically legitimizes the following from the 2006 interim version:


Clause 37. Any action performed in relation to the seizure and deployment of the power of governing the realm on 19 September 2006 by the head and members of the Council for Democratic Reform under Constitutional Monarchy, including actions of persons related to such aforesaid actions, or of persons assigned by the head or by the Council for Democratic Reform under Constitutional Monarchy to perform actions for the aforesaid purpose, all those actions aforesaid whether having effect in the legislative, executive or judicial sphere, including punishment and other administrative actions, whether performed as a major actor, supporter, or agent for implementation, and whether performed on the stated day or before or after, if such actions were wrong in law, those performing the actions are absolved of any wrongdoing and any responsibility entirely.


The key part here is that the amnesty in respect to the coup and following junta extends into the future for an unstated period. Absolving the rulers of the country of “any responsibility entirely” is perhaps not a good thing.

[The understudy]

Hello there HHtel

I believe this the date after the referendum was set right after the Verdict o dissolve the TRT party. The draft for the newly adopted Constitution. was finished three to 4 weeks before the referendum. HHTlel The Military Junta acts as their where politians (treating joe public as dumb) really presenting the constitution as a whole and not being honest highlighting the changes they made. Only the ones who really comparing the previous Constitution and this latest one they know what's really going on. My friend had studied both versions with his colleauge s. and came to the decision to vote No a minority decision. since yesterday.


Sorry Nereus I hafta retract that number about Thai's in foreign countries. It's about 1.5 to 2 Million Thai's in foreign countries. Most of them live USA, a Majority also in UK like Mr. T Shin, and the rest scattered all over the world some of them also here in Germany!!!

Your's the understudy!!!

[dtaai-maai]

[quote="The understudy"]The Military Junta acts as their where politians (treating joe public as dumb)
quote]

Doesn't that put them on a par with every other country in the world?

Steve, it was good to see an actual quote from the new constitution - I've probably now read more of it than most of the voters. But let's be realistic; the "Junta" are hardly likely to put forward a constitution that leaves them open to prosecution. The problem is that this is the umpteenth constitution in the last 70 years or so, and there's no reason why there shouldn't be another, whether it's next year or in 10 years time, whenever the military (or Whoever) decide things ain't what they should be.

Having said that, a friend recently reminded me that the constitution of my own country (the UK) makes interesting reading... Of course, a military coup there is quite unlikely, as all the troops are abroad.
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Never argue with a man carrying a water buffalo...

[caller]

[dtaai-maai]

Erm, that was kind of my point... obviously didn't express myself very clearly!

Of course, there's always the Magna Carta!
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Never argue with a man carrying a water buffalo...

[smoothy]

British Constitution???? I never knew there was one!!

I heard the military got rid of Taksin because he was cutting their power and influence. The disturnances just gave hem an excuse.

[tigger]

For those who did not realise what the English Constitution is........ Much of it was indeed based on the Magna Carta.. and I believe there are at least two of those laws that still exist today. The rest is made up by dickheads, elected by......... you got it.... dickheads. You don't believe me??? Look at the state of the country. Forget official figures, speak to the people..... how many Englishmen are there now compared to his Ethnic equivalent???? Why are these Ethnic groups allowed to build so many temples of worship???? Dictate what is taught at ENGLISH schools??? Rule our Courts??? Vote along side Englishmen???? Can we do it in their country????? Take the piss or what???????

[The understudy]

Hello Y'all

Can we get back to the Topic please?

Now after the Election dust have settled (And left me completely dusted). Did all of your revered Mrs. went to the Voting Stations? And who didn't bothered to go.

Your's the understudy