Your say, your charter

DECHARUT SUKKUMNOED, ECONOMICS LECTURER AT KASETSART UNIVERSITY

Essentially, three things can occur if the draft is approved. 

First, the interim charter’s Article 44, which gives absolute power to the junta’s chief, will be used more intensively because the junta will think it has been accepted and that the public wants it to run the country.

Second, non-elected local representatives can take more seats in local administration offices, whereas there will be fewer elected administrators. 

Last, people’s votes nationwide will be undermined as the junta and a handful of people can select 250 senators, who will account for a third of the Parliament.

 

 

PARIT CHIWARAK, A PRO-DEMOCRACY |STUDENT ACTIVIST

We will be dealing with an “unstable” education system, because it will principally come under state control and be subject to changes following state policies. Alternative education, meanwhile, will be further undermined as a result. Also, it will be difficult to get the draft amended.

 

 

THIKUMPORN KONGSORN, COMMUNITY LEADER FROM NAN PROVINCE

My life will not change. Even if the draft passes, my life will be the same.

 

 

PIYANUCH NARKKONG, VETERAN ORATOR AND MASTER OF CEREMONIES

The charter is just a paper that will not change society or anybody’s life. The development of the country relies on people, not rules. Most Thais are bored with politics, politicians, disputes and endless arguments. Now the country appears quite peaceful under this military regime.