Vast majority of Thais have never read Constitution: poll
Most Thais have not read the Constitution, believing it is hard to understand, out of reach and boring, according to the results of an Abac poll released Sunday.
About 83 per cent of respondents had never read the charter, saying they found it confusing and pointless to read since the legal language is hard to comprehend. They also disapproved of the Opposition’s move to censure the government, believing the no-confidence debate could be premature.
Around 16 per cent said they had read a lot or all of the charter, because they use it in their work or to solve problems in their life.
Asked what provisions of the charter they want to see changed, 56 per cent said those relating to protection of people’s rights such as their safety, security, stability and health issues; 52 per cent said provisions on injustices such as discrimination; 49 per cent said provisions involving justice procedures; 46.5 per cent said those relating to Thai people’s freedom; 37 per cent said provisions on elections of Senators and MPs; and 37 per cent said treaties ratified with foreign countries.
Over 91 per cent believed public participation was needed in the charter amendment and 8 per cent believed the matter should rest with Parliament; 64 per cent did not see the benefit of charter change and believed only politicians would gain from changes; 35 per cent said they saw how people would benefit from the charter amendment; 68 per cent believed the charter amendment would result in violence and conflict; 32 per cent did not believe so; 77 per cent did not think that reconciliation bills would bring about reconciliation.
Asked if a censure debate was appropriate, 52 per cent believed it was not because the government still performs well and the debate would bring about only political turmoil and hurt Parliament’s causing Thais to have a more negative attitude towards politics; and 47 per cent agreed with the move, saying the debate was a check on the government and would allow the public to access information and allow intensive checks on the government.
Of the total, 57 per cent said their happiness was at the same level; 30 per cent said they were less happy; 12 per cent said they were happier; 81 per cent identifying as red shirts said they were happiest when Thais are united and displayed loyalty; and 76 per cent identifying as yellow shirts said they were happiest when Thais are united and demonstrate their loyalty.
The poll was conducted on 2,275 people over 18 years old in 17 provinces across the country from July 25 to August 4.
