Your Say, Your Charter

YUKTI MUKDAWIJITRA, SOCIOLOGY AND ANTHROPOLOGY LECTURER AT THAMMASAT UNIVERSITY 

If the draft were to be approved, I would firstly lose the power to determine my own fate because I have had no part in the drafting process and future draft amendments would be almost impossible. 

Secondly, I would not be able to vote on the country’s leader, as the prime minister would not have to be a member of the House of Representatives. Thirdly, I will have no hand in selecting political policies and lastly, my rights and liberty would deteriorate. 

 SONGPON JAIYEN, A UNIVERSITY STUDENT IN PHUKET PROVINCE 

I have not followed politics closely, but from what I’ve heard, the charter sounds unfair and limits people’s rights and freedom of expression. Campaigning is deemed to be a crime and dissenters will be charged. As to what happens to my life if the draft is passed, I would say I have no clue. I think the draft has both pros and cons. 

WUTTHIPHAT SONGSIRIPANYA, A MOTORCYCLE TAXI DRIVER IN BANGKOK

No change. My life will continue as usual. I don’t know what would happen if the draft is passed. We have no clue about how to anticipate the future. Let the powers-that-be play political games. 

TEWIN DEEDUAYCHAT, A TAXI DRIVER IN BANGKOK

After the draft gets approved, my life will be more difficult. Citizens’ rights would be reduced. Can I speak about this issue?