BANGKOK, 15 June 2015 – The Chairman of the Election Commission of Thailand (EC) has said the budget he will request in holding a public referendum will not exceed 3 billion Baht as speculated.
According to the EC Chairman, Supachai Somcharoen, his organization is awaiting the decision on the proposed amendment needed for a public referendum to be held. The National Legislative Assembly will decide on June 18 whether to approve of the proposal.
He speculated that when the National Reform Council (NRC) voted on September 4 to approve of the new constitution, the referendum would be scheduled for January 10 next year.
The EC must publish 19 million copies of the new constitution within 45 days of the NRC approving of it and must distribute the copies by November 30.
Mr Supachai affirmed that the budget required to hold the referendum inclusive of the distribution of the copies, would not exceed 3 billion Baht.
