More than 10 Pheu Thai politicians have simultaneously denounced the junta’s charter draft for its undemocratic origin and content, adding that they will vote against it 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 the 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 law, and the inclusion of an amnesty for the junta, Matichon Online reported.

 

Phumtham Vejjayachai, Pheu Thai Secretary-General, posted “The undemocratic constitution, which curtails people power, lacks a proper guarantee of rights and freedom, is difficult to amend, 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 Parliament, posted “Both the origin and content are undemocratic and lack the involvement of the people, so I reject this draft charter”

 

Plodprasop Suraswadi, a former deputy Prime Minister, posted “It is undemocratic and opposes international standards. Future generations will suffer in the long term. I, therefore, have decided not to approve this draft charter.”

 

Chaikasem Nitisiri, a former Justice Minister, posted “This charter was drafted without people's participation, so it contains various sections that deprive people of their rights and power. A number of issues lack clarity and might lead to problems if it is ratified, just as many others have argued. Therefore, I personally reject the charter draft.”

 

Watana Muangsook, a former Commerce Minister who had been repeatedly summoned by the military for criticizing the junta, posted “The draft charter 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 shirt 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 the rule of law so I reject this charter.” 

 

Apart from those mentioned above, other politicians from the party including Surapong Tovichakchaikul, a former Foreign Minister, Anudith Nakornthap, a former ICT Minister, and Chavalit Vichayasuthi, Acting Deputy Secretary-General of the party, also showed their disapproval of the draft charter through their Facebook accounts, Matichon Online reported.