No foreign observers in the charter referendum

Bangkok, April 27 (TNA) - Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha confirmed that foreign observers would not be invited to the constitution referendum on Aug 7. After the cabinet meeting on April 26, Gen Prayut said that Thailand could handle the referendum by itself and non-governmental organisations from other countries would not be allowed to observe the event because it was not time for such an activity. Observation normally happened to elections, the prime minister said. He also said that forums on the draft charter could be organized on the condition that no one would influence people to accept or reject the draft. Speakers could express opinions honestly and politely, he said. The National Council for Peace and Order could take actions against any abuse of social media to instigate violence or turmoil in relation to the charter referendum, Gen Prayut said. (TNA)