He said the EC chose the venue, adding that the agency could find somewhere else to hold sessions if people found military bases inappropriate.

Prayut‘s reaction came after politicians labelled the venue as inappropriate, saying it generated an undemocratic and uncomfortable atmosphere and calling for alternative venues such as academic institutions.

Deputy Prime Minister Wissanu Krea-ngam said the responsibility for choosing venues rested with the EC, adding that he did not understand the criticism.

He said he did not sense any hard feelings while taking part in the event at the Wachirawut Military Camp in Nakhon Si Thammarat province at the weekend.

“There were harsh questions [from participants of the event]. But mostly the views were exchanged reasonably, not emotionally. So, the atmosphere was considerably good,” Wissanu said.

He said holding the sessions at military bases offered convenience in many ways and questioned why anyone would have a problem with the event at the weekend, adding that soldiers had not intervened.

Wissanu said there would be other explanation sessions that would not involve the military, including a TV programme sponsored by the EC, and suggested that opponents of the charter draft could join in the process.

General Ekachai Srivilas, a member of the now-defunct National Reform Council, said he understood both the regime and politicians who were concerned about the venue.

Ekachai said the regime might want to take a more conciliatory approach. He added that he understood that politicians wanted to have safe havens where they could express opinions freely.