Citizens asked to vote on charter they know nothing about
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The English-language press has made some well-argued calls for a television debate on the draft Constitution in order to boost Thais’ knowledge of a matter they’ll soon be asked to consider in a referendum. If the debate were to be handled impartially and
A comparison might be drawn with the ongoing – and seemingly endless – debate in the UK media about the cases for and against Britain’s exit from the European Union. While those of us who have lived here for some time will have no say in the forthcoming referendum, both we and the eligible voters have at least become informed on the issue.
If such a debate were to take place in Thailand (and I hope it does, with English subtitles, please!), I trust the producers will be able to avoid the sort of “Mutt and Jeff” chat-show feel of the US presidential debates.
Johnny Thoyts
