More than two-thirds of respondents to the latest Suan Dusit poll have given the draft charter the thumbs down.
While 85% of the 1,169 people surveyed across the country last week said the constitution referendum was important for the country's future, 67.4% of them were not impressed with the draft.
The poll did not survey how many people were keen to vote, but did ask what might prevent them from going to the polls on Aug 7. Almost three-quarters, 73.21%, said they may be too busy with other things on that day.
In addition, 61.82% said they were not interested in politics and did not understand anything about the constitution, 57.76% said little had been done to publicise the referendum, and 56.39% thought Thai politics was only about power and vested interests, and the referendum would be a waste of money.
Most responded positively to the question on whether the referendum was significant and if it would give them the opportunity to exercise their rights.
But 12.3% said they felt indifferent because they were more concerned about the current economic problems, while 1.94% said the referendum was not important at all because it was only part of the charter drafting process prepared by the military regime.
Asked about ways to encourage people to vote in the referendum, 78.29% responded positively to the idea of a proactive publicity campaign to raise awareness among voters.
The referendum will also include an extra question asking voters whether an appointed Senate should be allowed help select a prime minister after the next election.
The vote is expected to be held on Aug 7, but the Election Commission will meet tomorrow to officially determine the date.
