More than 10 Pheu Thai politicians have simultaneously denounced the junta’s charter draft for its undemocratic origin and content, adding that they will turn it down in the August referendum. One politician argues that the charter draft is actually an amnesty bill for the junta.
On Wednesday, 15 June 2016, prominent politicians of Pheu Thai Party, the anti-establishment political party with a strong affiliation with Thaksin Shinawatra, simultaneously declared their stance against the junta’s charter draft on their Facebook accounts. The politicians mentioned the many problems of the draft, including its undemocratic origin and elements, incompatibility with international laws and amnesty for the junta, Matichon Online reported.
Phumtham Vejjayachai, the Pheu Thai secretary-general, posted that “the undemocratic constitution, which curtails people power, lacks a proper guarantee of rights and freedom, is difficult to be amended, and cannot solve the country’s problems. I, thus, cannot accept it as the supreme law of the country”
Pokin Palakul, a former Speaker of the Parliament, posted that “Both the origin and content are undemocratic and lack involvement of the people, so I reject this charter draft”
Plodprasop Suraswadi, a former deputy Prime Minister, posted that “It’s undemocratic and opposes international standards. Our next generations will suffer in the long term. I, therefore, decide not to approve this charter draft.”
Chaikasem Nitisiri, a former Justice Minister, posted that “This charter was drafted without people's participation, so it is comprised of various sections that deprive people’s rights and power. A number of issues lack clarity that might lead to problems if it is ratified, just as many people other people have argued. Therefore, I personally reject the charter draft.”
Watana Muangsook, a former Commerce Minister who had been repeatedly summoned into military barracks for criticizing the junta, posted that “The charter draft takes away people’s power and welfare and, instead, enhances the dictatorship’s power and lacks checks and balances, so I reject it.”
Weerakarn Musikapong, a former key leader of the United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship, aka the red shirts movement, wrote a sarcastic Facebook status. “After I read Article 279 [of the draft], I’m confused whether it is a constitution or an amnesty bill for the junta. I cherish rule of law so I reject this charter,”
Apart from those who were mentioned above, other politicians of the party such as Surapong Tovichakchaikul, a former Foreign Minister, Anudith Nakornthap, a former ICT Minister, and Chavalit Wichaiyasut, the caretaker deputy secretary-general of the party, also showed their disapproval of the charter draft through their Facebook account, Matichon Online reported.
