Bangkok: "Sathira" is pleased that the draft referendum bill passed the parliament, marking a significant step towards empowering Thai citizens.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Sathira Pueakpraphan, Chonburi MP of the Kla Tham Party, expressed satisfaction over the approval of the Referendum Act draft, which has now been handed back to the government. He emphasized that this legislative move highlights the importance of the referendum process as a vital mechanism reflecting the people's sovereignty.
Mr. Sathira noted that Thailand has had a total of 20 constitutions, with only 8 necessitating a referendum. However, referendums were conducted for only two: the 2006 constitution and the 2014 interim constitution. This, he pointed out, underscores the limitations in public participation for crucial national decisions.
Regardless of the voter turnout, Mr. Sathira asserted that the outcome of a referendum must be universally respected, as it serves as a consensus-based standard for pivotal decisions, such as drafting or amending the constitution.
Expressing concerns about transparency and fairness, Mr. Sathira highlighted several factors that could influence the referendum process. These include media influence, timing of the vote, combining the referendum with elections, and ensuring public understanding and accessibility.
He stressed that the constitution is not merely a typical law but the supreme law guiding the nation's direction, making it crucial that public opinion is genuine and untainted by misinformation or distortion.