The government will pull out all the stops in its campaign to encourage at least 80% of eligible voters to vote in the referendum on the draft constitution expected to be held on Aug 7.
However, critics say the move could backfire as the campaign risks meeting fierce resistance from opponents of the draft.
Election Commission (EC) chairman, Supachai Somcharoen, expressed confidence that at least 80% of the electorate will turn out to decide the fate of the draft charter in the August referendum. He also warned against any illegal efforts to convince people to vote for or against the draft charter ahead of the referendum.
The Constitution Drafting Committee (CDC) handed its final draft of the new 219-section constitution to the government on Tuesday.
- Earlier report: Pheu Thai anti-draft comments 'are legal'
The CDC will finish a summary of the final draft within 15 days and will forward it to the EC for distribution to the public ahead of the August referendum.
Observers noted the more votes in favour of the draft charter the better, as recognition of the charter will cement the military regime's credentials in running the country over the past two years which would also be viewed as positive for the economy.
It is obvious the government and the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) want the draft to pass the referendum with flying colours.
This was evident when Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, in his capacity as NCPO chief, recently issued an edict using Section 44 of the interim charter to reform the Education Ministry's regional administration structure.
Under the new structure, now being implemented, administrative powers will be taken away from local education authorities and handed back to a centralised structure.
All 225 educational service area offices nationwide, along with teachers and education personnel sub-committees in the educational service areas, will be disbanded.
A total of 77 provincial educational committees headed by provincial governors as well as another 77 provincial educational sub-committees will be appointed in the provinces to replace the disbanded bodies.
This will empower the education minister to appoint and transfer more than 400,000 teachers nationwide unlike in the past when the minister only had the power to appoint and transfer high-ranking officials at C-11 level, such as the permanent secretary for education.
Observers say the government hopes to tap the support of teachers who maintain close contact with local residents so they can work with local government officials to encourage as many people as possible to come out to vote in the referendum.
However, leading Pheu Thai figure Chaturon Chaisaeng spoke out against the move to use teachers and education officials to push for the draft charter to pass the referendum, saying the education minister as well as provincial governors will wield power over teachers.
"This means the teachers nationwide will be afraid of both provincial governors and the education minister and it will make them feel a sense of injustice during the remaining four months leading up to the referendum," Mr Chaturon said.
He said the move could backfire against the government as teachers who are unhappy with unfair transfers may vote against the draft charter. "On referendum day, the outcome may turn out the opposite," he said.
These five men of the Election Commission are in charge of running the referendum. The EC's website continues to display the wrong election date - the earlier July 31 estimate rather than the likely referendum date of Aug 7. (Photos via EC website)
Deputy Prime Minister Wissanu Krea-ngam insisted Thursday that the road map leading to the general election next year remains unchanged, although he did not confirm that the poll will be held in July next year as it could take place a month earlier or later. This may depend on the process of seeking royal endorsement for the draft charter, in addition to the time required to draw up the new constitution's organic laws.
In the event the draft charter fails to pass the referendum, Mr Wissanu said the NCPO will decide whether to amend the interim charter to find a solution.
He said he will hold talks with the EC and the Interior Ministry, in addition to the Budget Bureau, and the Council of State to discuss the preparations and budget spending for the referendum.
The EC and the CDC will have the responsibility of explaining the rationale and main points of the draft charter to the public, he said, adding that those who criticise the draft may face legal action under the referendum law.
Gen Lertrat Rattanawanich, a member of the National Reform Steering Assembly, said Thursday he will propose an additional question to be included in the referendum for consideration by the NRSA.
Gen Lertrat said that voters will be asked if an independent committee on national reconciliation should be established to foster unity after a new elected government takes office.
