Meechai Ruchupan, chairman of the Constitution Drafting Commission (CDC), said 167 members of the two assemblies would act as volunteers to help the CDC explain to public members “in the layman’s language” about difficult legal terms in the draft constitution.

He said this project was a cooperation between the CDC and the two assemblies, which is allowed under the Referendum Act on the Draft Constitution.

Meechai also said that with the volunteers being dispatched to all provinces, he believed they would help the CDC’s work considerably.

“They are familiar with the areas of their responsibility. All of them have good knowledge about the constitution although some of them may have different views about the draft constitution. Personally, I think that with more volunteers, voters will get sufficient information before making their decisions,” he said.

The CDC chief also voiced his support to a military campaign for people to come out to vote during the August 7 referendum on the draft constitution.

Regarding the presence of foreign observers for referendum, Meechai said they could do so unofficially. “They may enter the country as tourists,” he said.

Meanwhile, Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Prawit Wongsuwan yesterday called on political activists not to hold demonstrations in the run-up to the referendum.

“The referendum is going to take place soon. Please do not come out to cause any unrest. Let the referendum continue as planned,” Prawit said.

He urged people to turn out to vote at the referendum “so that there will be a general election next”. However, Prawit added that whether the draft charter passes the vote or not, the next election “will definitely be held” next year. “But I don’t know what will happen after the election,” he said, without elaborating.

Prawit warned that the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO ) would “enforce all the existing laws” in response to law violations by any “trouble-makers”.

He explained that Army chief General Teerachai Nakwanich, who is the NCPO secretary-general, admitted that he “has already run out of his wits” after repeatedly unsuccessful attempts to “adjust the attitude” of the protesting activists.

Prawit said yesterday that the NCPO would provide security for members of the CDC and the Election Commission who would meet with people to explain about content of the draft charter, particularly in areas where opposition was intense.

“I am sure they will be safe. I don’t think anyone will dare to do anything to them,” he said.