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Published on August 12, 2007

Proponents and opponents of the junta-backed draft constitution were busy firing all their ammunition yesterday with just a week to go before the referendum.

Land Transport Department deputy director-general Chairat Sanguansue warned bus and taxi drivers that displaying advertising messages from charter opponents on their vehicles was breaking the law.

Chairat said drivers needed department permission to do so. The law was designed to "maintain peace and order", he said.

 "'Vote No' messages influence the public. It's illegal because it's considered publicity without permission and is against the profession and passenger safety," he added. He did not say how it could affect passenger safety.

"Right now officials are seeking cooperation from bus and taxi drivers. If they fail to observe the law they will be prosecuted."

Meanwhile, the department reiterated that public buses would be free next Sunday, referendum day.

Inter-provincial buses are free, too, and second- and third-class train fares have been reduced by half. This will allow more people to return to their hometowns to cast ballots.

This is the first time such action has been taken.

Meanwhile, in Khon Kaen, 300 student activists wore black at a campaign rally against the draft constitution and the junta at the province's Democracy Monument.

One protest leader, Niwaj Koetchantuek, said many people would not accept the charter because of the actions of the Council for National Security.

They believe its content enables the military to hang on to power after the general election. "So we're urging the public to reject this draft. It's illegitimate and does not benefit the people," Niwaj said.

A spokesman for the Student Federation of Thailand said most student organisations rejected the charter because they thought it would usher in a return of bureaucratic and military rule. They will hold more opposition rallies in the coming days.

In Bangkok, about 60 red-clad members of the Democratic Alliance Against Dictatorship encouraged the public to vote against the charter at Chatuchak weekend market and a nearby shopping mall.

Sombat Boon-ngamanong, an alliance leader, believed the people got the message.

"At this stage, nearing the referendum day, I wish the government would organise debates and symposiums so the public can have greater access to both views. It would be good for democracy," he said. The alliance will gather at Sanam Luang on referendum day and wait for voting results.

Another 200 alliance members, led by former senator Prateep Ungsongtham Hata, rallied outside Bangkok University before marching along Rama IV Road to Klong Toei fresh market.

Not to be outdone, Prime Minister's Office Minister Thirapat Serirangsan led campaigners in Siam Square.

They distributed materials produced by the junta-appointed Constitution Drafting Assembly highlighting what they said were the positives of the draft.

Thirapat said time was running out to get voters to cast a ballot. He added polls pointed towards a 70-per-cent endorsement of the new constitution.

He said he was unconcerned by opposition efforts.

Thai Rak Thai political group head Chaturon Chaisang said in a speech delivered at the Pridi Banomyong Institute yesterday that Thailand was at a crossroads and the public would have to choose between democracy and dictatorship.

He said the draft did not deserve even to be called a charter because it did not recognise the sovereignty and equality of the people in determining the course of their political future.

He said half the Senate would be appointed by a small committee instead of elected by the people. Chaturon also attacked an amnesty granted to the junta. "The draft charter will become a tool of the military to manipulate the country," he said.