Thaksin: Referendum before charter rewrite

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Thaksin: Referendum before charter rewrite

Published: 11 Dec 2012 at 15.43
Online news: Politics

The government should first hold a referendum to gauge people's opinions on amendments to the constitution, before going ahead with the changes, former premier Thaksin Shinawatra said on Tuesday in a speech to the Asia Society in Hong Kong.

Thaksin Shinawatra (Photo by Pattanapong Hirunard)

"The government is ready to accept the result of the referendum, and whether there will be enough votes is not a worrying issue," Thaksin said.

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facts_only
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Discussion 25 : 13 Dec 2012 at 10.0225
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gk10002000 #21, "A constitution SHOULD state what is required to amend it."
See Chapter XV, Amendment of the Constitution, Section 291, of the 2007 Constitution.
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pquinlan
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Discussion 24 : 12 Dec 2012 at 11.2524
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D12: I couldn't agree more with your post, but would add that the police and judicial authorities should start with baby steps - try enforcing the existing laws first!
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whatajoke
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Discussion 23 : 12 Dec 2012 at 07.0723
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There are several ways to skin a constitutional cat. First, there's the nature of the question. If you can 'convince' the masses that the present constitution is 'unfriendly' they will vote for change, then you don't need a second referendum. If you do, how many people will actually read it or note the important changes. How about suggesting to the sponsors that the present one be amended wholesale and the entire thing put to a people's referendum where they tick yes or no for each of the amended acts, that way we can be safe from pork barreling style deception. For example I would agree to a fully elected Senate but not disabling agencies.
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highlander
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Discussion 22 : 12 Dec 2012 at 01.5422
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How can the media accept this level of manipulation from Thaksin a wanted criminal and why are the government being allowed to communicate with him and heed his advise and guidelines! Of course he wants a referendum as he is betting that the same number of people who got the government party elected will give him the vote he requires in a referendum for him to win. If the majority of voters are poor and uneducated they will vote for him providing they are paid. He will promise them all they will be well taken care of when he has the means to return. However the law must be applied so he can be arrested as soon as he sets foot in Thailand.
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gk10002000
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Discussion 21 : 12 Dec 2012 at 00.3421
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One of the things the Thais seem unable or unwilling to learn or accept is that a constitution that can be amended or changed without due process is worthless. Constitutions are supposed to be rock solid. They are not supposed to be changed easily, or changed by any particular group or organization that is in control or power at the moment. A constitution SHOULD state what is required to amend it. An example is the USA constitution. The process for changing or amending the constitution is tedious and hard to do, but the process exists. There have not been many changes to the USA constitution since it was put into place.
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dao
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Discussion 20 : 12 Dec 2012 at 00.1420
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Pay attention kids .If your rich enough you can be as corrupt as you like .You can even change the rules so you dont have to be accountable to anyone .I feel sorry that the youth have to see this shamelessness and even for a second have to ponder if this is normal .
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brilliant
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Discussion 19 : 11 Dec 2012 at 23.5619
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Madar - "Time and time again Thaksin has showed his mental supremacy."

LOL. All he did was say what the court said months ago. And if he is so smart why is he still circling Thailand like a vulture trying to find a way in?
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howell
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Discussion 18 : 11 Dec 2012 at 22.5318
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He thinks he can use his PR machine and wealth to 'educate' rather like the red villages. He is probably more worried that his party will be dissolved if a referendum is not held first.

Thaksin could do the country a favour for once and stay in his comfort zone and out of Thai politics.
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Rab.Madar
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Discussion 17 : 11 Dec 2012 at 22.3717
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Time and time again Thaksin has showed his mental supremacy. It really is probably the main reason that he is feared by the Democrats, because they cannot compete against it.
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orange
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Discussion 16 : 11 Dec 2012 at 21.0716
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The Former Prime Minister appears to be very well recieved in important circles. The Asia Society was Founded in 1956 by John D. Rockefeller 3rd in New York, They're an international organization.

I know, I googled it, so to look intellectual ...
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