As Thailand counts down towards the referendum on the draft constitution, many politicians and activists have urged the military government to lift its tough restrictions on freedom of expression, so that the public can properly discuss the content of the document as well as the future of the country.
Political parties and groups have continued to express their views on the constitution, arguing that the law allows them to point out the pros and cons of the draft constitution.
The former deputy prime minister from the Pheu Thai Party, Chaturon Chaising, is just one of the many veteran politicians calling for clarity over the law and an easing on the restrictions on free speech.
His political opponents, like former foreign minister Kasit Piromya of the Democrat Party, have supported the call, urging the military government to allow critical debate on the draft charter.
"Th(is) transitional government should do whatever it can in order to provide a conducive facilitation and eventually conducive atmosphere for democracy to re-emerge and begin again. So it is the question of facilitating and is not the question of controlling or guiding the people," said the former foreign minister.
The military government has, however, voiced its objection to any open discussion of the document and warned that anyone found guilty could be prosecuted.
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