FRIDAY, March 29, 2024
nationthailand

Your charter, your say

Your charter, your say

VERAPAT PARIYAWONG, A VISITING SCHOLAR AT THE UNIVERSITY OF LONDON, SCHOOL OF ORIENTAL AND AFRICAN STUDIES

While constantly bearing Thailand’s present situation in mind, my life in the UK has been rewarded both intellectually and professionally, and will likely continue to be so, irrespective of the result of the so-called referendum. 
A “yes” result will at least serve as a stark reminder that much work remains to be done for Thailand’s true democracy, and one must not fail to be part of the effort.
 

ISSARA SOMCHAI, FORMER DEMOCRAT MP 

I think democracy will be restored after the referendum. For me, I could go back to being a politician, work closely with local people and take part in politics again for the first time since the 2014 coup. 
 

KRITSADANG NUTCHARUS, A HUMAN RIGHTS LAWYER

My life will be the same, as the charter will do nothing to change the state of society. The economy, for instance, will remain the same and the gap between the rich and poor will still exist. We have tried many times to change our constitution, but none of them have been able to resolve the Kingdom’s issues.
I hope restrictions on freedom of speech and human rights will be eased after the referendum. But over all, the country will see a more intensive use of sweeping power by the authorities. 
 

SUTIN AMTADE, BUSINESSMAN FROM CHIANG MAI PROVINCE

I think things will get better if the draft passes the referendum. The political situation will be more settled. However, I believe that a country’s development depends more on leaders, not on rules or a constitution.
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