A democracy watchdog has called for a boycott of the government's planned constitutional amendment drive.
The Campaign for Popular Democracy's (CPD) move came after a poll indicated many Thais believe the pursuit of the charter amendments will lead to conflict in society.
Parliament on Friday passed three bills that would amend Section 291 of the constitution to create a Constitution Drafting Assembly (CDA) which would then be charged with rewriting the 2007 charter.
In a four-point statement released yesterday, the CPD said the coalition government had failed to clearly explain to the public how the changes to the constitution would serve the interests of the nation.
Suriyan Thongnu-eid, secretary-general of the CPD, said the rewrite drive appeared to be an attempt by politicians to chisel away at the system of checks and balances that limits their power.
He said one key hidden agenda of the charter change proponents is their desire to seek an amnesty for people who have been punished for violating election law.
In the CPD's view, the government has not provided an acceptable reason for wanting to amend the charter. Its attempt to do so will only spark new conflicts in society, Mr Suriyan said.
Fearing the CDA would simply be used as a proxy for the government, the CPD plans to start scrutinising any proposed charter amendment measures that are tabled as the government moves ahead with its amendment process.
Meanwhile, a public opinion survey conducted by Suan Dusit Rajabhat University found that 39% of 741 people surveyed after the charter amendment legislation debate last Thursday and Friday feared the amendments would lead to more conflicts.
In the poll, 48% said they had not received enough information explaining why the charter should be amended, which left them confused about what to believe about the rewrite. Some 44% also thought the charter amendments would lead to political unrest.