Suthep supports PM’s opinion on referendum

BANGKOK, 25 September 2009 (NNT) – Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban stated that the referendum on charter amendment should be made only once, with the coverage of all six issues proposed by the National Reconciliation Committee.

Mr. Suthep said the formula of the referendum was not yet concluded. Personally, he preferred to follow the Prime Minister’s suggestion that the referendum be made only once on all six issues. However, he said the issue needed to be agreed upon by the Prime Minister and the three-line whips. He said the operation on the public hearing would not be sluggish as the House of Representatives had already passed the Referendum Act.

He added all sides should join hands in making the public understand the importance and the procedures of the referendum. He said holding a public hearing would not be deemed as wasting money if the people had more understanding about it.