THAILAND: Voters prepare for landmark constitutional referendum
Updated
Thailand's military appointed government faces a crucial test of its credibility this weekend when the country's voters take part in a constitutional referendum which, if passed by a simple majority, will open the way to fresh general elections due in December. But there's rising political tension, with active opposing campaigns; one led by the Government and the other backed by supporters of ousted Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra.
Presenter: Ron Corben
Speakers: Government spokesman, Yongyuth Mayalarp; Desai Mywong. shop owner from seaside town of Pattaya; 'Mr Gun', a 35 year old professional from the IT industry at an anti-referendum rally
The Thai government's promotion and publicity campaign through music is part of its efforts to lure as many as possible of the 44 million voters to cast a ballot on the constitutional referendum Sunday. The ballot will mark a crucial step in Thailand's efforts to move back to democracy after the military coup of 2006 that led to the ouster of Thaksin Shinawatra, now living in exile in the United Kingdom, from office after five years as Prime Minister. Thaksin was accused of abuse or power undermining indepedent institutions with political appointments and weakening the senate through political controls. So the stakes are high. Thsi week colourful and noisy rallies by the both government and those opposing the vote have taken place amid allegations of vote buying and political skulduggery. Opponents have accused the military junta of intimidation in the government's hopes to ensure a simple majority to see the draft passed. The draft, much of which is drawn from the 1997 constitution that was set aside after the 2006 coup, was drawn up by a Constitutional Draft Assembly and passed by an appointed National Legislative Assembly (NLA). Government spokesman, Yongyuth Mayalarp, says the vote is seen as a step back to political normalcy in Thailand.
YONGUTH: This the first time Thailand actually has organized a referendum for any reason and its the intention - according to the provisional constitution of 2006, that people who are eligible should participate in the actual referendum as regard the draft constitution. So this referendum is a chance for the people to come and give their vote whther they feel that this new constitution answers all these problems or not, whether the new constitution can fill in those loopholes as intended.
CORBEN: How crucial is this referendum in terms of the time line over the last 12 months and Thailand's steps to political normalcy?
YONGUTH: This is further proof to the international audience that the present government under General Surayud Chalnont is keeping to the timetable as promised to the general public of returning to democracy again. That's what we've been doing all the way through.
CORBEN: Desai Mywong is a shop owner from the seaside town of Pattaya. He supports the new constitution but fears it may not solve Thailand's political tensions.
DESAI: This constitution is better than the last constitution. More freedom especially for Thai people - not for the government. I think that the former government, Mr Thaksin is trying to come back again. He has a lot of money. After the election and we have a new government, it may be a difficult time for Thai people.
CORBEN: During final rallies midweek the government drew up to 50,000 people in Chiang Mai to support voting in the referendum. While here in Bangkok former party executives of Thaksin's banned Thai Rak Thai Party called on up to 10,000 supporters to vote against the new constitution calling it illegal and threatening party politics. 'Mr Gun' - a nickname - a 35 year old professional from the IT industry at the anti-referendum rally, says he will be voting against the constutution.
GUN: I don't support the draft constitution because I don't agree with the coup. But in Thai society we have not the same movement. Some support for Thaksin Shinawatra - the former prime minister - and somebody not support him but did not agree with the coup. So they still not combine together at the moment. Although the government can pass the constitution and maybe the election occur this year but the political conflicts still remain.
