Anti-charter moves 'illegal'

Thai Rak Thai Group leader Chaturon Chaisang, centre, attends a meeting held by Sudarat Keyuraphan, right, and Yaowapa Wongsawat, far left, at the IFCT Building yesterday. Chaturon had earlier held a meeting and spoken to the press at Navasorn Building, t

Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont warned yesterday that campaigning against casting a vote in the referendum on the new constitution, or against the referendum itself, could be made illegal when the Referendum Act takes effect.

However, he remains unconcerned over campaigns against the constitution draft and believes people will support it.

They will understand its content and intention if they are well informed, he said.

"I will illustrate this simply. Between something I have in my hand in front of me and something I have in my hand behind me, which one will people choose?" he said.

If the constitution draft is rejected at a referendum, the Council for National Security (CNS) is authorised to revive, amend and impose any previous constitution.

Surayud called for ministerial officials to foster understanding of the draft and to persuade people to vote at the referendum, which will be held on August 19.

CNS deputy chairman Chalit Pukphasuk said that in the event the constitution draft is rejected, it would reintroduce the 1997 Constitution.

However, it hopes the draft re-ceives ap-proval. It prefers not to have to select and impose an old charter and worries that amendments to it may not be effective.

The new constitution draft is adapted from the 1997 Constitution and has been deliberated by experts from many fields, he added.

Election commissioner and Constitution Drafting Committee member Sodsri Satayathum said yesterday campaigners against the draft were "taking their chances" ahead of the introduction of the Referendum Act.

When it is law they will be required to halt their campaigns. Violating the act could result in electoral-process and other penalties.

The National Legislative Assembly (NLA) is considering the legislation.

CNS spokesman Sansern Kaewkamnerd said after the council's weekly meeting that it was confident the draft would pass public muster.

Chairman Sonthi Boon-yaratglin will today outline to the Cabinet plans for the constitution, he added. Sonthi promises not to hold back on a return to democracy, Sansern said.

The 1997 Constitution - which was the best charter so far - might be amended, but Sonthi does not see that as necessary at present, he said.

Meanwhile, almost 300 former Thai Rak Thai MPs and candidates gathered yesterday vowing to launch a nationwide campaign to vote down the draft constitution.

It was the group's biggest meeting of its politicians since last September's coup that overthrew the Thaksin government. A ban on political-party activities was lifted shortly after Thai Rak Thai was disbanded in a Constitution Tribunal ruling on May 30.

The meeting took place amid reports of a spilt between group leader Chaturon Chaisang and key party figures loyal to Thaksin, including Sudarat Keyuraphan and his sister Yaowapa Wongsawat.

Group deputy leader Pongthep Thepkanchana chaired the meeting of 236 former MPs and 63 former candidates.

It resolved to oppose the draft charter prepared by the Constitution Drafting Committee. And, if the Constitution Drafting Assembly votes to accept it on Friday, the group will launch a nationwide campaign claiming the draft was created by "undemocratic means" and allows coup leaders to cling to power.

The group demanded that the 1997 Constitution abrogated by the coup be restored and a general election be held to allow a new Parliament to amend it for political reform.

The group opposed a move to pass an internal security bill because it would effectively subject the country to a military dictatorship.

It demanded the government lift martial law in all areas.

Pongthep said all participants would work with the Thai Rak Thai Group to establish a new party. The group will decide on a name tomorrow.

However, a source said some participants disagreed with the group's anti-charter stance and some content in a statement released yesterday.

The September 19 Network Against the Coup last week launched a movement against the junta-sponsored draft. It is encouraging people to reject it at the referendum. The campaign includes newspaper advertisements and distribution of printed material and T-shirts with anti-draft messages.

About 20 monks and laymen supporting a constitutional clause recognising Buddhism as the state religion continued to protest outside Parliament.

They are calling for Buddhists to oppose any constitution without such a clause. They want voters to reject the draft.

Other supporters of the religion clause that rallied last month agreed to pause their opposition for one week after the drafting assembly voted against its inclusion last Friday.

Social Development and Human Security Minister Paiboon Wattanasiritham said it was the right of individuals to decide by themselves whether to support the draft.

Some people have placed newspaper ads opposing the draft. These assert the charter was written undemocratically, while others explain support is given only to facilitate the election of a Parliament that can amend the law.

NLA chairman Meechai Ruchuphan yesterday said three laws accompanying the constitution remained to be passed. They are expected to be ready around mid-December. An election is impossible without them.

These laws will be included in an Election Act.

If the draft is rejected an election will be delayed because the laws will be required, too, he said.

Woranaree Kosajan,

Panya Thiewsangwan,

Kesinee Jaikawang

The Nation