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Published on July 22, 2007

"Thailand's first referendum appears to differ from the standard set by other countries, namely it has not set a minimum vote required," panel member Nantawat Boramanant said.

Nantawat, of the Chulalongkorn University Law Faculty, spoke at a roundtable discussion organised by the Thai Journalists Association. He expressed concern that political animosity might intensify if the referendum approved the charter by a small majority.

He said the junta should spell out how it would go about amending one of the suspended charters if voters reject the 2007 draft.

"Under present circumstances, voters are having a difficult time making up their minds because they don't know what will happen if they turn down the charter," he said.

Prinya Thewanaruemitkul of Thammasat University sees the referendum as an attempt to validate a political system imposed by the junta, rather than a genuine vote to advance democracy.

For the referendum to be a truly democratic exercise voters must know in advance the consequences of their votes, he said.

The junta has been withholding crucial information about the charter it will impose in case of a failed referendum, he said. Therefore, voters are being forced to accept the draft dictated to them.

He criticised the draft legislation regulating the referendum, saying it was full of provisions designed to "pick on" voters but failed to curb government officials swaying voters.

Reacting to Prinya's remarks, Prime Minister's Office Minister Thirapat Serirangsan said the law was designed to counter "ill-intentioned elements" bent on derailing or fixing the referendum.

Thirapat said convictions for referendum offences would hinge on intent and the authorities would not bully voters or pick on unintentional mistakes.

He said critics of the referendum should study the 2006 interim constitution, which prescribes that the junta amend the suspended 1997 Constitution to bring about a general election within 30 days after a failed referendum.

"Regardless of the referendum outcome, the general election will definitely take place this year, or no later than January," he said.

He said this month's Cabinet resolution made it clear all government officials were obliged to be neutral and refrain from swaying votes.

Interior Minister Aree Wongsearaya instructed provincial governors and local authorities to help raise awareness of the referendum "without influencing voters".

"Voters should be encouraged to cast their ballot. Government officials must not tell them to vote one way or the other," he said.

He encouraged interior officials to strive for a voter turnout of 80 per cent, although he said he was prepared to accept 50 per cent.

The First Army Region started its campaign to boost turnout in 26 central provinces.

"I am confident the referendum will be a success," First Army commander Lt-General Prayuth Chan-ocha said.