Somchai backs referendum plan

Former prime minister Somchai Wongsawat said yesterday that he supported the government's plan to hold a public referendum over the charter amendment impasse. He cited the fact that the Constitution Court had recommended that the public should have a say in the matter.

The government does not have to take responsibility if there are not enough votes in a public referendum, Somchai said, but can resort to amending the Constitution article by article.

Somchai also dismissed rumours that the wedding of his daughter Chayapa Wongsawat to Cambodian MP Nam Linan is political motivated.

"It is about the love of two people who want to share a future. As father, I support my daughter to have life stability,'' he said.