PUANGTHONG PAWAKAPAN, POLITICAL SCIENCE LECTURER, CHULALONGKORN UNIVERSITY

As a university lecturer, my life will not change that much as the draft seems to support government officials and employees.

However, even if the draft charter makes it through the referendum, conflicts will still exist. Confrontations between the “yay” and “nay” voters could break out and there could be unrest.

They [the junta] would take advantage of the referendum and claim its legitimacy to prolong their tenure.

People would vote to accept the draft, as they don’t understand it. And that could also affect people’s welfare and benefits – a clear reflection of the attitude of those in power.

SUNAI PHASUK, RESEARCHER, HUMAN RIGHTS WATCH (THAILAND)

The draft does not seem to promote democratic and pro-human-rights culture and practice. I don’t see it representing the interests of the majority either. Most importantly, the transitional clauses in the draft would only prolong abnormality and dictatorship.

TANKHUN JITTITSARA, FORMER DEMOCRAT MP

I think it will change things. There will be three political blocs: Pheu Thai, the Democrats and the military combined with small- and medium-sized parties.

The third bloc will have its supporters – the non-elected 250 senators. Though people will have more choice, they will also have to closely watch these three blocs as well as the politicians. When there are three blocs, if two of the three join hands, the other one will end up being attacked.

THONGMUAN SEEYA, FARMER, PHETCHABUN PROVINCE

I think things will only get better. I hope the next government helps farmers.

The prices of agricultural products would be higher and social welfare would get better.