It’s a people’s charter: PM

WHILE the international community – notably countries from the West – have concerns over the constitutional drafting and referendum processes, Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha yesterday claimed the win in Sunday’s |referendum made the military-sponsored charter a “people’s |constitution”.

“The draft truly belongs to the people and was decided by the people,” Prayut said after a Cabinet meeting yesterday. “It followed all principles. More than 50 per cent [of people eligible to vote] went to vote and also more than 50 per cent accepted [the draft].

“Don’t let anyone twist [the meaning that the referendum] was organised by the military,” Prayut said.

With a 58-per-cent turnout, more than 61 per cent of people who cast ballots on Sunday approved the charter and 58 per cent voted to accept the role of a non-elected Senate to vote for |the next prime minister. 

However, Prayut said he was aware that 15.56 million “Yes” voters did not outnumber the combination of 9.87 million “No” voters and the 22.96 million eligible voters who abstained from voting, raising questions on whether the “Yes” votes truly reflect a majority of Thais.

“But I think they accepted [the draft] because they wanted the country safe, peaceful and orderly,” Prayut said.

When it comes into force, the constitution will pave the way for the junta to retain power by selecting the Senate, which will be authorised to join the House of Representatives to vote for a potentially unelected prime minister after the next election.

Prayut did not rule out accepting the next premiership if MPs and the handpicked Senate offer him the post.

“Do you think parties won’t choose the prime minister?” Prayut asked rhetorically. “I’m not answering this. There is nothing for now.”

The premier reiterated that the political process would follow the junta’s “roadmap to democracy” with a general election expected to be held in November or December next year, after the completion of 10 organic laws following the new charter’s expected enactment in October or November this year.

Prayut did not disclose what the organic laws would stipulate about politicians, although one of the first laws will deal with political entities. 

“I will see how the situation will be before ‘unlocking’ those politicians,” he said, referring to the junta’s current order banning political gatherings of more than four people. “I expect better politics, as well as politicians with the heart to reform.”

The United States and the European Union both expressed concern that the charter drafting and voting processes were not inclusive enough and conducted under restrictions. 

“We do remain concerned that the drafting process for the constitution was not inclusive, that open debate was not permitted in the run-up to its adoption,” Elizabeth Trudeau, director of the US State Department’s press office, said.

“Once the results are final, we urge Thai authorities to proceed with the next steps to return Thailand to an elected, civilian-led government as soon as possible,” she said. 

“As part of the process to return Thailand to democracy, we strongly urge the government to lift restrictions on civil liberties, including freedom of expression [and] the right to peaceful assembly, so the Thai people can engage in an open, unimpeded dialogue about the country’s political future.”

The EU, meanwhile, expressed its dissatisfaction with the referendum, saying there were serious limitations to fundamental freedoms, including restrictions on debate and campaigning. 

The EU continues to call upon Thai authorities to create conditions for a genuine democratic transition leading to early general elections, an EU statement said. 

Prayut said he would not explain the process’ legitimacy to foreign parties, which would be done by the Foreign Ministry. “Go ask Thai people and see if they think this referendum is legitimate,” Prayut said. “I’m not explaining anything [to foreigners]. It’s not my job. I’m not making conflicts with anyone.”

Foreign Minister Don Pramudwinai urged foreign countries yesterday to respect the decision made by the Thai people. Foreign governments should praise the referendum, he said, added that many countries, notably from Asean, had congratulated Thailand on the success of the referendum.

“Media should ask countries [which expressed concerns] why they don’t understand Thailand, since the majority of voters exercised their right in the referendum,” he said. 

The Foreign Ministry would invite foreign diplomats for a briefing to explain the referendum and constitution tomorrow, Don said.