Thai Government Proposes July 31 For Referendum On Draft Constitution

BANGKOK, Feb 11 (Bernama) -- The Thai Government has proposed July 31 to hold the much-awaited referendum to enable its people to decide whether to accept or reject the draft constitution set up by its commission. Deputy Prime Minister Wissanu-Kreagnarm said although the date had not been finalised, the referendum's final date could either be longer or shorter by seven days, beginning July 31. "Campaigning for 'agree or disagree' on the draft constitution (before the referendum) will be allowed but it must be conducted within the general election law and under the peace and order of the country," he told the media at the Government House here Wednesday. Wissanu said this after chairing a meeting with several relevant agencies in conducting the referendum, including the Election Commission (EC), Bureau of Budget and others. The deputy prime minister said there were approximately 50 million eligible Thais to cast votes during the referendum, out of the total 67 million population. Thais he said, will also have more time to cast their votes during the referendum as the period for voting will be extended for an hour from the current 8am-3pm to 8am-4pm. On the budget for the referendum, Wissanu said the EC proposed a budget of 4.2 billion baht (US$119.66 million) but the government wanted the amount to be reduced to a reasonable three billion baht (US$85.29 million). The EC, according to him, will organise a public forum before the referendum to enable both the public and political parties to discuss the draft constitution. The Thai military-led government has proposed to conduct a referendum on the draft constitution this year and general election next year, as part of its roadmap to return the country to democracy. -- BERNAMA