Thai EC expects Constitution referendum in early 2016

BANGKOK, May 20 (TNA) - A Thai election commissioner says that the referendum on the country's new Constitution is likely to be held in January 2016, followed by the new general election in August in the same year. The election commissioner, Somchai Srisutthiyakorn, made the remarks while chairing a meeting of officials of the Election Commission of Thailand (EC)'s provincial branches in Bangkok on Wednesday. Somchai told the meeting it is now clear that there will be the referendum, which should happen next January, followed by the new general election in August and a senatorial election in October. Somchai explained that a referendum needs a turnout of the majority of eligible voters and its result is determined by the majority vote. According to the election commissioner, the interim Thai government and the army-led National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) need to permit forums for people to express opinions if there will be a referendum on the country's new Charter. (TNA)