The regime should allow freedom of expression regarding the draft charter to ward off potential conflicts that could emerge after the referendum on it is held, a seminar was told yesterday.
The seminar addressing the charter referendum was organised by the Thai Journalists Association.
Critics say regulations governing the Aug 7 referendum are unclear and restrict public debate.
Human Rights Lawyer Association chairman, Phairoj Pholphet, said the key principle of a referendum is to return decision-making power to the people.
This referendum does not seem to allow charter opponents to make their voices heard with these restrictive rules, while supporters are more free to express their views, he said.
Some people will feel short-changed if they cannot have their say.
"The referendum process must be justified and fair so it will be accepted. If not, we will immediately face conflicts," Mr Phairoj said.
Seri Suwanphanon, head of the National Reform Steering Assembly's political reform committee, said he believed people can still sway the way people vote in the referendum, by keeping within the regulations.
"The law only bans attempts to incite unrest and this should not be interpreted as banning canvassing," Mr Seri said, adding people would still be allowed to express their views in most cases.
"We are, however, creating tensions, which could foster hatred against the constitution," Mr Seri said.
Election Commission (EC) member Somchai Srisuthiyakorn dismissed rumours that people who "like" messages on social media that violate the regulations will be punished, saying the EC will not be that strict in the lead-up to the referendum.
The EC will rather focus on going after those who share false or rude messages as well as those thought to be inciting unrest, he said.
"What we want is a good society," Mr Somchai said.
"The referendum must be made sensible. We want a society where people use decent language when they talk."