Thai referendum: vote 'no'

There will be a referendum in Thailand on 19th August, in which the public will have the opportunity to vote for or against the proposed new constitution (which has been drafted by committees appointed by the CNS, after they abrogated the previous 1997 constitution). The new constitution (printed with a yellow cover, to imply you-know-what... but it can't receive royal ascent until after the referendum) is tainted by military dictatorship.

A 'yes' majority would lead to the adoption of the new constitution, though what would happen in the eventuality of a 'no' vote has not been made clear. There have been hints that, if the new constitution were rejected, the 1997 version would be reinstated. If this were the case, it seems to me to be the best possible outcome, as the restoration of the old one would represent a reversal of the CNS's abrogation. But Sonthi refuses to confirm exactly which previous constitution would be resurrected if the new one is rejected. This means that the referendum will not offer a fair choice: how can people confidently vote 'no' if the outcome of such a vote is being kept from them? If there is no stated alternative, then a 'yes' majority loses its credibility.

A 'yes' vote is also being promoted by the Constitution Drafting Assembly as a vote for a quick election. However, Sonthi promised to hold elections this year anyway, regardless of the referendum result. (Indeed, he plans to stand in the election himself, as does his adviser, the murderous Pallop Pinmanee.) While the CDA is distributing propaganda, 'vote no' campaign posters have been seized and taxi drivers are being fined 1,000 baht for displaying anti-constitution stickers.

The proposed new constitution includes an amnesty for the coup leaders. This alone is reason enough to reject it.

A 'vote no' website, wevoteno.net, has now been set up by those opposed in principle to the new constitution, though many 'no' campaigners are currently being intimidated.