Those in power should allow the public to freely discuss the draft constitution as long as they express their opinions in good faith, says the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC).
The NHRC referred to the Election Commission's (EC) referendum rules which have been criticised for crippling the ability of voters to express their views on the draft in the lead-up to the Aug 7 referendum. The rules include a ban on giving a "like" to internet and social media comments.
Law enforcement should be eased to allow for open debate and create a climate conducive to reform, it said. The public wants a say in reform and easing curbs would give them their chance.
Meanwhile, the Constitution Drafting Committee (CDC) plans to set up a call-centre and step up publicity to help explain the content of the draft constitution. CDC chairman Meechai Ruchupan yesterday said the call-centre will help support CDC volunteers trained to educate the public about the draft charter.
If certain aspects of the draft remain unclear to volunteers, the call-centre will be on hand to answer questions, Mr Meechai said, adding CDC members will take turns working at the call-centre to talk to callers.
Mr Meechai also said the CDC is seeking to produce television programmes and other publicity for the draft charter, and will ask other agencies and media outlets to help spread the content.
EC member Somchai Srisutthiyakorn yesterday said the EC produced a mobile phone application to share the draft's content and explain the referendum. The CDC has been asked to check the application's content before its launch on May 16, Mr Somchai said.
Mr Somchai added the EC will meet the directors of the six free TV channels on May 17 to discuss allotting airtime for programmes to educate the public about the draft charter. He said the EC will begin distributing 1 million copies of the draft charter, along with 4 million copies of the draft's explanations, on May 25.
The CDC yesterday also held a briefing on the draft charter for foreign diplomats from 47 countries and representatives of six international organisations. CDC spokesman Norachit Sinhaseni told the diplomats that the draft charter meets the country's circumstances.