Stop gagging criticism on draft constitution: HRW

The rights agency said that the junta has forcibly blocked opposition efforts to monitor the nationwide referendum on the new constitution on August 7. In its statement, it cited that Prime Minister Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha, who chairs the ruling National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO), indicated that anyone monitoring support for the referendum would be subject to arrest and trial before a military court.

“The Thai junta is using threats and intimidation to bludgeon people into supporting a constitution that would prolong military rule,” said Brad Adams, Asia director at Human Rights Watch. “The generals expect the Thai people to just shut up, obey their orders, and approve their draft constitution without any discussion or debate.”

The actions against the United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD), known as the “Red Shirts", were highlighted in the statement released yesterday in New York. HRW also said though Thais should receive all information and vote freely, the only source of information about the draft constitution comes from the junta-appointed Constitution Drafting Commission, the military, the Election Commission, and other government agencies – all of which have taken the position that the proposed constitution would benefit the Thai people. At the same time, the junta has refused to allow most seminars, conferences, and other public events that would encourage meaningful public discussion and debate about the draft constitution.

“The UN and Thailand’s friends around the world should publicly make clear to Bangkok that they will only recognise a referendum that meets international standards,” Adams said. “A free and fair referendum affecting Thailand’s future can’t be held when the rights of people to speak and exchange their views is suppressed.”