Let's lighten political load of charter vote

COMMENTARY

Let's lighten political load of charter vote

Published: 18 Dec 2012 at 00.00
Newspaper section: News

So the first "yes" has been secured _ a first and relatively modest sign of accord after a long period of unrelenting conflict and disparity.

The feeble and rather unwilling "yes" is to a national referendum on charter amendment. After years of wrangling on the issue, the government is expected to hold a popular vote in March or April to decide once and for all if the current charter should be rewritten.

Already, battle lines are drawn that foretell the referendum will be about many things but the constitution.

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amazed
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Discussion 19 : 18 Dec 2012 at 22.2019
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Disc. 18 - This is more than just opening the possibility for Thaksin to reappear In Thailand. If things aren't done in a reasonable way there must be a reason for it and it would be simple for PT to explain it. Like, why go through the time and expense of two referendums? Why not spell out exactly what they wish to change? It makes no sense unless there is an ulterior motive. Most anti Thaksin people know that taking any step which allows Thaksin back with his influence of money and vindictiveness on top would be disaster for democracy.
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genii
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Discussion 18 : 18 Dec 2012 at 21.4418
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Disc 16. Bob if what you say is true then there will be many, many, more than just TS cleared under the amendments you refer to. I assume you would agree with this. I am not sure if PT are willing to commit political suicide like this. There must be a better argument for the opposition to charter change. I never hear concerns to charter change other than TS.
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dao
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Discussion 17 : 18 Dec 2012 at 21.1817
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Antone who thinks this is anything but a get out jail free card for Thaksin is deluding themselves .
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englishbob
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Discussion 16 : 18 Dec 2012 at 20.4216
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Disc14 Genii - No... The whole 'It's not democratic' is smoke and mirrors designed to take attention away from the fact that Thaksin is pulling strings to avoid trial and recoup billions.

If PT REALLY REALLY want to prove that it's about democracy and helping the country, they need only make a clear and unequivocal statement that Thaksin's charges will be unaffected by any amendments to the charter...

Why do YOU think they haven't made that statement?
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peterl
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Discussion 15 : 18 Dec 2012 at 19.3215
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Unfortunately this strange charter redrafting authorizing referendum has been necessitated by the Constitutional Court's recent poorly thought out compromise ruling.

I completely agree with the writer's statement that:

"For the referendum to yield a truthful and constructive result, it would be best for the government to first inform the public about what exactly it plans to do to the charter."

To achieve that outcome, a more logical and greatly preferable course would be to put the proposed new charter to a Referendum AFTER it has been drafted. Then, and only then, would the people actually know what they were voting about.
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genii
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Discussion 14 : 18 Dec 2012 at 19.0114
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This is the constitution ok. It is the law of the land and there is a lot more to loose here than a fight about one man being whitewashed or not. Take a break from the Thaksin obsession and look at what really is at stake here. Thaksin is a good smoke and mirrors cover but the fact is control of governmental branches and their protection is much more important. Read the current charter and decide for yourself.
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englishbob
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Discussion 13 : 18 Dec 2012 at 17.5513
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I lived under the last constitution.
I lived under this one.
Life seemed pretty much the same.

The 'terrible-Junta-forced 2007 constitution' can't be so bad... After all, people were allowed to protest (well if they wore red shirts, they were). They were able to occupy a capital city for 2 months. They were able to incite looting, arson and murder without facing trial. And a general election was held smoothly. Seems to me, things were pretty easy considering it was a 'draconian Hobson's choice'.
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englishbob
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Discussion 12 : 18 Dec 2012 at 17.1712
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Disc3 Just_Red_Fantasies_Only - "There will be two referendums. The first is whether the public wants to change the constitution or not - nothing else. The second referendum, after the exact details on the changes are known, would be to accept or reject those specific changes."

Inasmuch as Yingluck and Chalerm haven't agreed to any referendum, why do you consider the above statement to be a 'fact'?

How difficult has it been for Thai people to live under the 2007 constitution? What would you like to see changed? Would you agree that Thaksin should face trial for the charges brought against him?
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nui
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Discussion 11 : 18 Dec 2012 at 14.5511
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I read both the 1997 and 2006 charter. 1997 is much better but both lack a lot of democratic principles. The 2006 charter should really be changed to the better for the people. But a change must not whitewash previous crimes of politicians. And this is what it is all about.
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airborne
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Discussion 10 : 18 Dec 2012 at 12.3110
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facts-only: Thanks for the citations, they make for a better comment. I agree that there is no doubt that the military was heavy handed. Now we have an opportunity to see the boss in action. Today's headlines show that he will be the same or more so. When the referendum is passed the PT will claim they have a mandate to make whatever changes they like. I don't really care, I would only like to see a constitution that benefits the common man and maintains separation of powers. My expectation is that the PT constitution will place essentially all power in the hands of the PM, including appointment of judges.
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Let's lighten political load of charter vote | Bangkok Post: opinion