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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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
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Thailand’s Referendum Is Only the Start of a Long Struggle for the Country’s Student Activists
Charlie Campbell / Bangkok @charliecamp6ell Aug. 5, 2016
Striding into a Bangkok Starbucks wearing a T-shirt emblazoned with “I Love Gen. Prayuth,” referring to Thailand’s cantankerous junta chief, Rackchart Wong-Arthichart doesn’t seem your typical student democracy activist. But then he points out a pair of crossed fingers printed on the back. “I designed it myself,” he grins. “We mainly do satirical campaigns against the military government.”... (read more).... http://time.com/4440250/thailand-dem...on-referendum/
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PART I: From rice fields to rebellion: Untold stories of Northeastern Thailand’s armed struggle
Posted on 08/07/2016 by The Isaan Record
Today, 40 million Thais are called to cast their votes in a referendum on a military-backed constitution, which many say will weaken the country’s democratic system and entrench the generals’ influence over politics. On the same day in 1965, a violent incident in the Northeast led thousands of farmers to take up arms against the military-ruled state that had promised a new constitution for years.... (read more)... http://isaanrecord.com/2016/08/07/pa...-to-rebellion/
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Thai referendum with 57% reporting. Yes, 61%, No 38%
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85% now reporting, 58% yes, 41% no. Apparently the turnout was about 53%
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RETURNS SHOW LANDSLIDE WIN FOR JUNTA IN CHARTER POLL
By Teeranai Charuvastra, Staff Reporter - August 7, 2016
BANGKOK — Preliminary results suggest the new constitution drafted by the military regime is set to be passed by a huge margin in Sunday’s referendum.... (read more)...
http://www.khaosodenglish.com/politi...-charter-poll/
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‘Yes Vote’ claims victory in August referendum
Submitted by editor4 on Sun, 07/08/2016
Initial projections for Thailand’s August 2016 referendum predict that the military-backed draft constitution will be accepted by a safe majority.... (read more)... http://prachatai.org/english/node/6452
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I don't believe a Yes vote is much of a surprise to anyone.
It'll be interesting to see what the next couple years brings for Thailand.
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Thailand votes by public referendum - to make its government even less accountable to the people
Opposition parties were banned from campaigning against it
August 7, 2016
Vijay Joshi, Natnicha Chuwiruch
Thai voters have overwhelmingly approved a new junta-backed constitution that lays the foundation for a civilian government influenced by the military and controlled by appointed — rather than elected — officials....(read more)... http://www.independent.co.uk/news/wo...-a7177526.html
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PART II: From rice fields to rebellion: Untold stories of Northeastern Thailand’s armed struggle
Posted on 08/08/2016 by The Isaan Record
From Rebels to Thai National Development Partners
Thousands of Communists insurgents and their families came marching out of the forests when hopes for the revolution were shattered. But unlike the left-wing students who were allowed to continue their studies in Bangkok when they gave up their rebellion, many Northeastern Communists had no lives to return to. Others had often occupied their families’ lands, or they were too ashamed of their defeat to return to their home villages.
The CPT fighters were greeted by speeches, television cameras and free meals provided by the state....(read more)... http://isaanrecord.com/2016/08/08/pa...rmed-struggle/
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August 8, 2016
Commentary
Thitinan Pongsudhirak -- The conundrum of Thailand's resounding referendum result
Officials count votes on Sunday evening Aug. 7 after Thailand's referendum on a new constitution. (Photo by Keiichiro Asahara)
The overwhelmingly favorable result of Thailand's second-ever referendum has much deeper and wider significance than as a mere verdict on a military-backed constitution. Thailand's ruling generals under the National Council for Peace and Order, who seized power in May 2014, can now claim a semblance of legitimacy because the constitutional referendum was partly a people's judgment on their putsch and performance in government since then.... (read more)...
http://asia.nikkei.com/Features/Thai...form=hootsuite
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With such a low turnout, claiming legitimacy may not be so easy. And taking into account the fear that the junta engendered in those who may have opposed the coup, even less cause for complacency.
I've just been speaking with my boyfriend in Kamphaeng Phaet; a very gloomy mood there. What will the Red Shirts do now?
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Thailand’s political transition intervened by foreign allies: Junta leader
Submitted by editor2 on Mon, 08/08/2016
The Thai junta premier welcomed the draft charter referendum result, saying the referendum was opened and transparent and pointed out that Thailand’s foreign allies have intervened in its political transition.
After the unofficial result of the 7 August public referendum turned out to be in favour of the junta-sponsored draft constitution, the Prime Minister office of Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha, junta leader, on Sunday, 7 August 2016, published a message for foreign media, the BBC Thai reported.... (read more)...
http://prachatai.org/english/node/6454
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Thai referendum: Why Thais backed a military-backed constitution
By Jonathan Head
Southeast Asia correspondent
More than 61% of those who voted backed the new charter.
The result of the referendum on Thailand's new constitution has left many observers around the world baffled.
Why would an electorate, denied any say over who governs them since a coup two years ago, vote to approve a charter which offers them only a semi-democracy?
A charter which was condemned by human rights groups and by the two largest political parties as a means to entrench military rule for many years to come?... (read more)... http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-37013950
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Brussels, 08/08/2016
Statement by the Spokesperson on the constitutional referendum in Thailand
On 7 August, the Election Commission reported that, in a national referendum, a large majority of the people of Thailand have voted in favour of the proposed constitution. During the campaign period, however, there were serious limitations to fundamental freedoms, including restrictions on debate and campaigning.
It is essential that the current restrictions on freedom of expression and assembly are lifted to allow for an open, inclusive and accountable political process. The EU continues to call upon the Thai authorities to create the conditions for a genuine democratic transition leading to early general elections. All main stakeholders in Thailand need to engage in an inclusive dialogue and work together peacefully towards this aim......
http://eeas.europa.eu/statements-eea...0808_02_en.htm
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Thailand's divisions on display in vote approving new constitution.
http://www.nytimes.com/2016/08/09/wo...tion.html?_r=0
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BOYCOTT CAMP REJECTS RESULTS OF ‘FAKE’ REFERENDUM
By Pravit Rojanaphruk, Senior Staff Writer - August 9, 2016
BANGKOK — Activists who boycotted the referendum called Tuesday for annulling the results of the junta-backed plebiscite, saying it was neither free nor fair from the start.
Four academics and activists said they want to see the results overturned at a symposium held at Thammasat University to discuss the outcome of Sunday’s vote in which voters adopt by the charter by a large margin.
“We do not accept the results... (read more)... http://www.khaosodenglish.com/politi...ke-referendum/
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Pro-coup party supports Prayut for post-election PM
Published: 10/08/2016
One day after Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwon indicated no military involvement in politics, plans were announced for a pro-coup political party to back Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha as the post-election prime minister.... (read more)... http://m.bangkokpost.com/news/105732...kokpost.com%2F
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Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Thailand
Press Releases : Comments on the Result of the Constitution Referendum
With regard to some comments from foreign governments and media following the Constitution referendum on 7 August 2016, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs wishes to clarify as follows:..(read more)..
http://www.mfa.go.th/main/en/media-c...n-Referen.html
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PM appeals to Thais to accept referendum, set aside differences
BANGKOK | BY AMY SAWITTA LEFEVRE AND PANARAT THEPGUMPANAT
Bangkok, Thailand, August 10, 2016.
Thai Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha called on Wednesday for acceptance of the outcome of a referendum that approved a military-backed constitution, saying unity was needed to tackle problems facing the country.... (read more)....
http://www.reuters.com/article/us-th...+World+News%29
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NEW ‘PEOPLE’S REFORM PARTY’ WOULD SEE PRAYUTH PRIME MINISTER OF ELECTED GOV’T
By Pravit Rojanaphruk, Senior Staff Writer - August 11, 2016
BANGKOK — A move to establish a military-friendly political party to appoint the junta leader prime minister again under an elected government was met with mixed reactions in the political sphere, though the consensus was that pro-junta elements and their proxies want a larger political space.... (read more)... http://www.khaosodenglish.com/politi...-elected-govt/
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Well, that didn't take long...
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Decades of dominance and a junta’s demise
JAMES L TAYLOR - 11 AUG, 2016
Thailand’s referendum has installed the military junta for the long haul. But could it also be their undoing?
The result is out; it is back to 1978.
No surprises. Now the junta can gloat over its inevitable, foregone conquest and lecture the Western world about minding its own business, which they were quick to do after the win.... (read more)...
http://www.newmandala.org/decades-do...juntas-demise/
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World | Thu Aug 11, 2016
Thai police want to intercept phone calls in 'national security' cases
BANGKOK | BY AUKKARAPON NIYOMYAT
A new scheme that would allow Thai police to intercept telephone calls in national security cases has been put forward to cabinet for approval, police said on Thursday, a move that has alarmed rights groups.... (read more)...
http://www.reuters.com/article/us-th...+World+News%29
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Thailand Bombings Suggest Mounting Anti-Junta Sentiment
Nash Jenkins
An investigation official collects evidence from the crime scene after a small bomb exploded in Hua Hin, Thailand, on Aug. 12, 2016
At least four were killed in the series of explosions in Thai tourist towns
A string of bombings across Thailand has left four dead and upwards of 20 injured in what experts say was a coordinated attempt to undermine the country’s military junta....(read more)... http://time.com/4449708/thailand-bla.../?xid=tcoshare
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Thailand attacks: who are the likely perpetrators?
Coordinated bomb and arson incidents in southern Thailand, home to an insurgency, could signal new phase of confrontation
Thitinan Pongsudhirak in Hua Hin
Friday 12 August 2016
The coordinated bomb and arson attacks across Thailand’s southern provinces may signal a new phase of confrontation and brinkmanship, following the vote in favour of a military-backed constitution in a referendum on Sunday.
Such incidents are not unheard of in Thailand. Violence and mayhem is an almost daily occurrence in the three southernmost provinces of Yala, Pattani and Narathiwat, where a deadly Malay-Muslim insurgency pushing for greater administrative autonomy from Bangkok has raged for more than a decade.... (read more)... https://www.theguardian.com/world/20...P=share_btn_fb
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Re: Protests update
Northeast still hostile to junta: E-saan Poll
Submitted by editor2 on Thu, 11/08/2016
Despite the junta’s attempt to restrict criticism of the regime-backed draft charter, a public poll conducted in northeastern Thailand, the Isaan region, shows that Isaan people are still hostile to the military regime.
E-saan Poll, a public poll of the Faculty of Economics of Khon Kaen University, reveals that 60.3 percent of Isaan people rejected the draft constitution while 65.8 per cent were against the second referendum question on allowing the unelected senate to jointly vote with the House of Representatives to select the future Prime Minister, Isaan Record news reported.... (read more)... http://prachatai.org/english/node/6468
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THIS IS NOT THE END OF THAI DEMOCRACY
By Pravit Rojanaphruk, Senior Staff Writer - August 13, 2016
Retention A week before the referendum on the junta-favored charter draft, which ended in a decisive victory for a constitution written entirely by junta appointees, I asked a taxi driver how he would vote.
The question was posed out of curiosity, and the driver’s answer made me even more curious.... (read more).... http://www.khaosodenglish.com/opinio...hai-democracy/
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Bombs, facts, and myths in southern Thailand
ANDERS ENGVALL - 13 AUG, 2016
Truth shouldn’t also be a casualty after Thailand’s 10-12 August bombings.
It is no surprise that Thai authorities go out of their way to rule out Malay-Muslim separatists as potential perpetrators of the string of bombs in the upper south on 10-12 August. It is after all what they always do.... (read more)...
http://www.newmandala.org/bombs-fact...hern-thailand/
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Re: Protests update
August 13, 2016
Thitinan Pongsudhirak -- Violence returns to Thai politics as stakes rise
The latest spate of coordinated bomb and arson attacks in Thailand's southern provinces has left at least four people dead and scores injured, and bears unmistakable political implications. In view of its distinctive targets and its timing, this round of violence may signal a new phase of confrontation and brinkmanship as the stakes in Thailand's political endgame rise following public approval of a new constitution in a referendum on Aug. 7... (read more)... http://asia.nikkei.com/Politics-Econ...n_cid=NARAN012