Thai PM:Government will follow roadmap

BANGKOK, July 28 (TNA) - Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-ocha has insisted on proceeding with his government's roadmap on national reform toward a new general election no matter whether Thailand's present Constitution draft will be approved by voters in the upcoming referendum, set on August 7. The prime minister stressed on the stance on July 27, saying if the new Constitution draft did not pass next month's public referendum, his government would still follow the roadmap to bring about sustainable development and democracy to the nation. The prime minister vowed to accept any result from the August 7 public referendum, saying if the majority of Thai people "voted no" against the present Charter draft, good points of Thailand's all previous Constitutions would be taken into account while drafting another Charter. Calling on the public to avoid triggering any renewed conflict and to accept changes toward a clear way out for the nation, the prime minister asked the public to realise hard working and good intention of Constitution Drafting Committees (CDCs) that fully observed their duties to help create confidence and trust between people of all groups in the society and between people and politicians through the new Constitution draft. The prime minister's remarks were in response to former Thai prime minister and Democrat Party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva's objection to the new Charter draft, asserting that he would "vote no" in the upcoming referendum. "It is the Democrat Party leader's personal opinion, but Thai people now can think and make decisions by themselves and are not easily influenced", the prime minister told reporters. The Thai premier urged the public to be strong and carefully look into and rely on only proper information, as they are the ones to help shape the future of Thailand. (TNA)