Social activists have slammed the Charter Drafting Committee's (CDC) folk song, released on Monday, to boost public interest in the draft constitution. They say it fails to reflect the substance of issues included in the draft, as well as the importance of the referendum process.
Core issues are hardly discussed in the lyrics, which do not promote a better understanding of the draft, nor the topics it covers, such as equality or education and health rights, says former National Human Rights Commission member Niran Pitakwatchara.
"The song has no depth, it is nonsensical and insults the people's intelligence," he argued. Dr Niran does not blame the songwriters or producers but asked the CDC to take responsibility for the reductive arguments in the song.
Workpoint Entertainment volunteered to handle the project, a phleng choi or Thai folk performance based on witty poetic repartee by three comedians, released online and on radio.
Instead, they provide light-hearted comparisons, which can be denigrating, he argued. According to the lyrics, social inequality will be reduced due to traffic jams, as both the rich and poor are stuck on the roads, while local traditions are brought down to folk dresses.
"These are real problems in society and should not be laughing matters," he added.
Healthcare activist Nimit Tienudom said she was unhappy about the way social security is explained in the song's lyrics. Access to healthcare is a basic right, but the song describes it as a service for the poor, he said.
Mr Nimit added the song gives a one-sided explanation of the draft's content, as it only reflects the views of the drafters themselves. "It is not enough to give people a good understanding of the draft and assess it correctly," he said, arguing civil society and dissenting voices should be allowed to express their opinions on the draft as well.
The government and CDC should rather aim towards creating a debate between various parties on the draft's content, allowing everyone to express opinions freely, added Dr Niran.
CDC spokesman Amorn Wanichwiwatana said the song does not breach the Referendum Act, which prohibits campaigning in favour or against the draft charter. He said the lyrics only explain the draft's content and do not seek to indicate how the people should vote in the referendum.
"The CDC does not benefit from any special rights and does not profit from any campaigning ahead of the referendum," he said. However, detractors of the draft should be mindful of the political situation, he warned. "After an election takes place, they may say whatever they want. But now is not the right time," he said.