Thailand: Explainer

- The referendum will take place on August 7.

 

- Voter will be asked to decide on two issues. One is whether to approve the charter draft written by a junta-appointed panel. The other is whether to agree that the next Senate, handpicked by the junta, should jointly choose a prime minister along with the elected MPs.

 

- Anyone who is 18 or older on the day of the referendum is eligible to vote but it is not mandatory.

 

- The referendum bill prohibits organised campaigns for or against the charter. Violators could face up to 10 years imprisonment and a Bt200,000 fine. The Election Commission has already filed a complaint against at least one person, who is accused of posting rude comments about the draft charter on Facebook.

 

- If both issues pass the plebiscite, the government promises a general election could take place next year following its road map.

 

- If not, the general election might be postponed. A new round of charter drafting could start, which would probably take about two months to finalise a new charter.

 

- Controversies about the charter include its provisional clauses: the junta will appoint the first Senate, which potentially will have the authority to jointly choose a future PM during the five-year transitional period; and Article 44, granting broad executive powers to the government, will still be in effect after a new constitution is adopted.

 

- Another significant point about the referendum is that “No” votes against the draft could be interpreted as a rejection of the current regime.

 

- Former members of the now-defunct People’s Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC) and pro-junta forces are among the charter’s supporters, while major political parties – Pheu Thai and Democrat – as well as pro-democracy groups are against it.

 

- The junta-led National Council for Peace and Order will be in power at least until the new cabinet is set up.