THURSDAY, March 28, 2024
nationthailand

Your Say, Your Charter

Your Say, Your Charter

EAKPANT PINDAVANIJA, DIRECTOR OF THE INSTITUTE OF HUMAN RIGHTS AND PEACE STUDIES 

My academic work deals with human rights issues. Our views are opposed to dictatorship and the military government, so if the draft is enforced, we will be in dissent. 
There will be an infringement of human rights and freedom of expression will be limited. Also, I will have more difficulties in my work life. 
 

BUNTOON SRETHASIROTE, KEY MEMBER OF THE PLATFORM OF CONCERNED CITIZENS AND FORMER MEMBER OF THE NOW-DEFUNCT NATIONAL REFORM COUNCIL 

I have to follow up on laws under the draft’s Article 58, which will be written after the draft is passed. The laws will stipulate the duties of the state and its people. For instance, whether people and how many of them can sign their names to propose laws to the House of Representatives. 
These laws will have an impact on society. 
 

SAB CHOBKLA, TAXI DRIVER IN BANGKOK 

My life will not change at all. I will be as poor as I am. If the draft passes, the military will still have an influence in Thai politics. The economy will worsen due to the global slowdown and an ineffective new government. 
The military are not politicians or executives, so they cannot run the country productively. 
 

PRASERT NIMNUAL, |MOTORCYCLE TAXI DRIVER IN BANGKOK

I have not read the draft yet and have no idea which way it will lead the country.
After the coup, my life as a motorcycle taxi has become tough. There is a lot more red tape in the process of getting a motorcycle taxi licence. The application fee has also risen from Bt50 to Bt100. 
If the draft is approved, I don’t think the military government will remain in power any longer. However, the next government may focus on developing the country and impose stricter rules on the poor. 
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