BANGKOK, 7 May 2015– Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha has indicated that the decision whether or not a public referendum will be conducted on the draft charter will be made in a Five Rivers meeting.
Prime Minister Prayut revealed that the topics of democracy and constitution drafting were brought up for discussion during this week’s Cabinet meeting. The premier said he proposed that the charter drafting be allowed to proceed in accordance with the mechanism, noting that the government and the National Council for Peace and Order can only make suggestions as they do not have the power under Section 44 to meddle with the process.
The Prime Minister pointed out that should the Five Rivers agree to organize a public referendum, it would require another three months and a budget of 3 billion baht before the next general election could come about.
Personally, Gen Prayut viewed past constitutions of Thailand as containing too much content which often prompted the need for amendment. He thus opined that the new charter should contain specific details in the form of organic laws in order to avoid problems in the enforcement stage.
