The centres, set up by the United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD), are aimed at keeping an eye on any possible fraud ahead of the referendum. The first centre was opened in Bangkok on Sunday.

Nattawut, who is also a UDD co-leader, said all concerned parties should accept these anti-fraud centres because Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha had said earlier that such watchdog centres could be set up.

In his weekly press briefing on Tuesday, Prayut had said that he would not stop UDD from setting up the centres, but added that they did not have his approval.

Nattawut said Prayut‘s remarks did not affect him because the premier had the right to criticise, adding that the draft’s victory in the referendum depended on the public, not the UDD.

He revealed that each local centre would have lawyers in charge of legal matters and voluntary observers. Everything done in these centres will be in line with the Referendum Act. In case the watchdog is accused by the state, with allegations backed by facts and evidence, then it would stand accountable, he added.

The red-shirt leader also called on state security officials to not put pressure on those involved in the operation of the anti-fraud centre.

Election Commission member Somchai Srisutthiyakorn said creating a group to help keep an eye on possible fraud is a good thing, but EC regulations did not encourage people to take part in monitoring the referendum at polling stations. He said people could help monitor the referendum, but they should not interfere with official work or cause disturbances. Somchai pointed out that people could use the EC’s “Pineapple Eyes” app to report fraud.