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Thailand’s new draft charter makes auspiciously timed debut Thailand’s proposed new constitution unveiled to the public
(about 1 hour later)
BANGKOK — Thailand’s proposed new constitution was unveiled to the public at precisely 1:39 p.m., a time its drafters believe will bring good luck to a highly controversial charter that has been criticized as undemocratic. BANGKOK — Thailand’s proposed new constitution was unveiled to the public on Tuesday, amid criticism that the charter is undemocratic and gives too much power to the military that staged a coup two years ago.
The proposed constitution, unveiled Tuesday, will be put to a referendum in August, followed by elections that junta chief Prayuth Chan-ocha has promised for 2017. The draft will be put to a referendum in August, followed by elections that junta chief Prayuth Chan-ocha has promised for 2017.
Critics say the charter reserves too much power for the military that toppled an elected government and suspended democracy with its May 2014 coup. The referendum will mark the first time Thais return to the ballot box since Prayuth led a May 2014 coup that toppled an elected government and suspended democracy in the Southeast Asian country.
Politicians from both sides of Thailand’s political divide have shown rare unity in opposing earlier versions of the draft, which contained proposals for an appointed Senate and a vaguely worded clause that suggests the prime minister does not need to be an elected official. Prayuth has justified the military takeover as necessary to restore order after years of political upheaval and to rid Thailand of corruption and abuse of power. He has insisted that the new constitution will help him achieve those goals.
Politicians from both sides of Thailand’s political divide have opposed the proposed constitution, which includes clauses for a fully appointed Senate, with seats reserved for senior military officers.
In the run-up to its release, the military government banned criticism of the charter, and over the weekend detained a politician for a Facebook posting saying Prayuth should resign if the constitution is rejected at the polls.
Prayuth has vowed to hold elections in mid-2017, but has not specified what will happen if the constitution is rejected.
It is widely believed that the army is concerned about stability when the throne passes from ailing 88-year-old King Bhumibol Adulyadej, who has been the constitutional monarch since 1946. The military’s critics say the army wants to keep its grip on power to ensure a smooth succession.
Prayuth has restricted free speech in Thailand since the coup and barred public protests amid other crackdowns on civil liberties. The junta has generally equated criticism of its actions with incitement to unrest and instability.
Copyright 2016 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.Copyright 2016 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.