BSA Law: Exercise Caution If Commenting Publicly On Thailand's Draft Constitution Ahead Of Referendum

Strict new rules governing discussion of the country's draft constitution issued by Thailand's Election Commission ahead of a public referendum in August are now a Thai law. End Quote

(1888PressRelease) June 02, 2016 - The regulations state that Thais must express their opinions with 'polite words…without distorting the facts'. Interviews with the media that are 'rude, aggressive or intimidating' are banned, as is organizing a panel discussion 'with intent to incite political unrest'. 'T-shirts, pins and ribbons' encouraging others to campaign are also forbidden.

A public referendum on Thailand's draft constitution is set for 7 August 2016.

Thailand's military government has promised an election will be held by mid 2017, even if the draft constitution is rejected.

The Election Commission on 25 May launched the distribution of the draft constitution to the public. It expects 80 percent of the country's more than 50 million eligible voters to vote in the referendum.

Prawit Rattanapien, a member of the Election Commission, said around 100,000 military cadets and 300 Buddhist monks would be enlisted from mid June to visit towns and villages around the country, to discuss the draft charter and encourage people to vote in the August 7 referendum.

"In many countries, you would typically see unbridled debate taking place ahead of any referendum. But in Thailand with these regulations on discussing the draft charter in place, it makes even well-meaning discussion risky", said BSA Law spokesman Apisakdi Kongkangwanchoke.

The advice from BSA Law is to exercise particular caution if making any comment in the public domain on the draft constitution, bearing in mind the regulations.

As a leading international law firm in Thailand, BSA Law offers a range of legal and financial services with expertise in tax consulting, accounting and auditing, Thai labour law, Thai law in general, corporate law, contracts, property, intellectual property, insurance, investment, Thailand work permit and visa matters and starting a business in Thailand.

About BSA Law:
For over 30 years, Bamrung Suvicha Apisakdi Law Associates (BSA Law) has focused on providing reliable legal advice and services to the Thai and foreign business community in Thailand. BSA Law seeks to provide international standards of legal services while retaining the customs of the Thai business culture.

For more information please contact:

Jim Byrne
Business Advisor, BSA Law.
Email: jim ( @ ) bsalaw dot co dot th
http://www.bsalaw.co.th

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