A summary translation of my interview in Matichon

The following, is a summary translation of my interview in Matichon, of the 22nd of April, 2016, regarding the suppression of freedom of expression in the lead-up to the Thai Constitutional Referendum, scheduled to be held this August: “The new restrictions will add to the existing restrictions that include Section 44 of the 2014 Thai Interim Constitution, and Section 116 of Thai Criminal Code. It is important to ensure that people are free to express their opinions, because no one can have absolutely and perfectly read and understood this draft. This is why it is important that the NCPO allow for a public debate on the issues relating to the draft. Under the current political circumstances, the idea of “freedom of expression” has been interpreted [by the NCPO and the Thai junta] to mean a pushing for political mobilisation, which is not always the case. But, we are now talking about the freedom of expression to criticise the new constitution, and this is not about criticising the NCPO. This constitution will be the supreme law, which will significantly effect all Thais, and, therefore, Thais should be free to express whether or not they agree with the new constitution. If Thailand is truly attempting a return to democracy, then such a process should at least start with the referendum. The appointment of senators will enable the NCPO to retain power even after any elections [and, if the constitution is passed by the referendum, then it is expected that Thailand will hold a general election in 2017], and this is one of the main motivations in pushing this current draft [of the constitution]. As a result, the upcoming election will, in effect, only be a mechanism for the NCPO to maintain their grip on power, rather than for returning democracy to Thailand. This is in the interests of the military, in foreign policy terms, because at least they will then be able to argue that a new government has been democratically elected. And, this is why we are observing more restrictions around the referendum, as the NCPO and the Thai junta are now attempting to ensure that this constitution can pass, because it will provide the authorities with some semblance of credibility amongst the international community.”