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Re: Protests update
Charter 'No' vote poses risks to NCPO ANALYSIS: Critics warn government against writing another constitution if public gives thumbs down on Sunday, writes Nattaya Chetchotiros Published: 05/08/2016.... (read more)...
Please credit and share this article with others using this link: http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/poli...-risks-to-ncpo.
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Re: Protests update
AUTHORITIES ANXIOUS ABOUT MUSLIM CRITIQUE OF CONSTITUTION DRAFT
By Teeranai Charuvastra, Staff Reporter - August 4, 2016
BANGKOK — Governors in every province were asked Thursday to counter rumors circulating among some Muslims that their faith will not be respected in the proposed constitution being put to referendum on Sunday.
In an urgent order issued and made public Thursday, the Interior Affairs Ministry said an audio clip is spreading “distorted” facts about the new charter, though a longtime Muslim politician said officials were overreacting.... (read more)... http://www.khaosodenglish.com/politi...itution-draft/
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Re: Protests update
Contents of Draft Constitution: Less democracy, more junta power
Submitted by editor4 on Thu, 04/08/2016
Austin Sylvan
At a seminar discussing the contents of the draft constitution in the upcoming referendum, political experts made clear that these updated legislation reduces democracy, and increases the junta’s control of future Thai politics.
In the evening of 3 August 2016 at the Foreign Correspondents Club of Thailand, Dr David Streckfuss of Khon Kaen University, Dr Suchit Bunbongkarn of Chulalongkorn University, and Henning Glaser of Thammasat University, participated in a panel discussion which talked through the contents of the upcoming draft charter referendum occurring 7 August 2016....(read more)... http://prachatai.org/english/node/6435
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Re: Protests update
Regional parliamentarians cry foul ahead of Thai constitutional referendum
Submitted by editor2 on Fri, 05/08/2016
ASEAN Parliamentarians for Human Rights (APHR)
Parliamentarians from across Southeast Asia today deplored the undemocratic process leading up to this Sunday’s referendum on a new constitution in Thailand, raising concerns over harassment, arrests, and intimidation of those seeking to campaign against the draft charter.... (read more).... http://prachatai.org/english/node/6437
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Re: Protests update
YES’ VOTE FOR NEW CHARTER WILL ENTRENCH JUNTA
By Associated Press - August 5, 2016
BANGKOK — Sunday marks one of the most important votes in Thailand’s history, yet there have been no political rallies, no independent campaigns and virtually no debates. The junta made sure of that.... (read more)... http://www.khaosodenglish.com/politi...ntrench-junta/
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Re: Protests update
IN PRESSED UNIFORM, PRAYUTH CONFIRMS HE WILL INDEED VOTE ‘YES’ FOR CHARTER
By Teeranai Charuvastra, Staff Reporter - August 5, 2016
BANGKOK — It came as little surprise Friday when junta chairman Prayuth Chan-ocha announced he will vote for the constitution drafted under his military regime when it’s put to vote Sunday.
But the sight of the former army chief in a crisp army uniform for first time since he retired from the military nearly two years ago did raise eyebrows, and one academic believes Prayuth was seeking to dispel any doubts the armed forces are still in charge.... (read more)...
http://www.khaosodenglish.com/politi...e-yes-charter/
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Re: Protests update
Police raid red-shirt TV station searching for anti-draft charter moderator
Submitted by editor4 on Fri, 05/08/2016
Thai Police are pursuing a red-shirt moderator for allegedly distorting the draft charter content. Another red-shirt leader said such legal prosecution does not benefit the August referendum.
On Thursday, 4 August 2016, police raided Peace TV, a TV station run by co-leaders of United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship, aka the red-shirt movement, to search for Usmarn Lookyee, a moderator of red-shirt TV programs...(read more)...
http://prachatai.org/english/node/6440
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Re: Protests update
Student activists and the referendum: The pebble in the boot
Submitted by editor4 on Fri, 05/08/2016
Austin Sylvan
For the past number of months, youth and student activists around the country have been challenging the upcoming constitutional referendum, and, certainly with the help of the junta, have made it clear this referendum is a democratic farce.
On 7 August 2016, Thai citizens, many of whom are unaware there is a referendum, and or are unable to make an informed vote, will take to voting stations to decide on a constitutional referendum, put forward by the junta....(read more)....
http://prachatai.org/english/node/6443
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Re: Protests update
A vicious cycle of coups and constitutions
DAVID CAMROUX - 06 AUG, 2016
Thailand has been searching for an appropriate form of government for more than 80 years. It’s unlikely to find one this Sunday when the country votes on a contentious new constitution.
At first glance, there may be something unique in the Thai military junta seeking to have its action and program legitimised through approval by referendum of a somewhat undemocratic constitution. Yet,... (read more)... http://www.newmandala.org/vicious-cy...constitutions/
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Re: Protests update
Look beyond the August referendum with Chaturon Chaisang
Submitted by editor4 on Sat, 06/08/2016
Kornkritch Somjittranukit
The embattled politician from the Pheu Thai Party believes that no matter what the referendum result is, elections must be held by 2017 but in any event democracy will not return to Thailand in the near future....(read more).... http://prachatai.org/english/node/6445