A civil society network on Wednesday called for fair debate and a choice for voters before they cast ballots on referendum day to decide the fate of the draft constitution.
With less than three weeks until judgement day, the Platform of Concerned Citizens issued another statement urging authorities to allow all sides "a safe space" to express opinions on the draft.
The group also demanded a "clearly defined choice" on offer to voters before the poll on Aug 7 if the draft is dumped in the referendum.
"If the referendum rejects the current draft constitution, there should be a commitment to drafting a new constitution inclusively, a consultative process involving people from all sides and all sectors of Thai society; in the design of a new process and the substance of the constitution," it added.
The network urged all groups to respect the result of the referendum if debates are allowed, and for people to be given alternatives to the charter before they make a decision.
The network comprises 17 organisations and 117 individuals, including major party politicians such as Democrat leader Abhisit Vejjajiva, acting Pheu Thai leader Pol Lt Gen Wiroj Pao-in, Pheu Thai secretary-general Phumtham Wechayachai and Chartthaipattana adviser Somsak Prisnanantakul.
The government and the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) have not made clear future steps in the event the draft is rejected. Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, who also commands the NCPO, however has said the 'roadmap to democracy' will not be detoured in next July's general election.
Activists campaigning against the draft have been arrested on accusations of defying a ban on political gatherings imposed by the NCPO or violating the Referendum Act. One of the controversies in the law is Section 61, which bans the spreading of false and vulgar content or inciting intimidating messages.
Local and international organisations have called for freedom of expression ahead of the referendum.
