New constitution campaign gets over 50,000 signatures before deadline

A RUSHED campaign launched by Internet Dialogue on Law Reform (iLaw) and other activist groups to get the public to sign on paper petitioning the new government to introduce a referendum on whether a completely new constitution should be written managed to get more that 50,000 signatures before 8 p.m. deadline today (Aug. 25), Matichon newspaper said.

The campaign, entitled “Completely write a new one, vote 100%” and hashtagged #conforall, was quickly kicked off after the Election Commission earlier this week said an e-petition backed by 53,500 people was not acceptable with supporters having to sign on paper that they want a referendum on this issue.

Volunteers had set up tables at various locations since yesterday morning to get enough signatures for the petition including Bangkok Art and Culture Centre, Chulalongkorn University’s political science faculty, cafes, restaurants and BTS stations.

Progressive Movement Chairman Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit posted a message on X, formerly Twitter, urging the public to sign this petition and inviting them to come to Future Forward Building to do so.

At 5.11 p.m. today, Mr. Yingcheep Atchanon, iLaw’s director, said the number of people who had signed the petition had exceeded the 50,000 target.

“It’s 5 p.m., when we help each other over and over again it’s not a miracle but the norm for a new society in which we will live together – applaud,” he wrote while also posting a photo of the list of names.

In a live broadcast he added even though the total number of signatures had surpassed 52,900, his team is still hoping it reaches 55,000 names but should there be errors 50,000 names should have been obtained.

“You can call it a miracle but it happened. Let’s see the total tonight, you can still sign up,” he said.

CAPTION:

Mr. Yingcheep Atchanon, iLaw’s director, giving the thumbs up after over 52,900 people signed the petition. Photo: Matichon

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