Referendum bill is constitutional

The Constitution Court has ruled that the public referendum bill, which was passed by parliament, is constitutional, court secretary-general Chaowana Traimat said on Wednesday.

The bill was forwarded to the Constitution Court by Parliament President Chai Chidchob to rule whether it is in line with Article 141 of the constitution.

Mr Chaowana said the court, after considering related documents and explanations from all concerned, ruled that the bill is constitutional.

On the status of 16 senators found by the Election Commission to have breached the constitution for holding shares in companies linked to a state concession and media business, he said the court is in the process of allowing the senators to submit additional defence statements.

Mr Chaowana said he had no idea when the case would be considered by the court.  He said the case was complicated as it involved a lot of people and documents.