Thailand files first charge under law banning campaigning and debate

Thai election authorities filed their first charge under a law banning campaigning and debate before a referendum on a controversial new constitution. The broadly-worded legislation, which came into force last week, mandates up to 10 years in prison for criticizing the military’s new charter or “influencing voters” in the run-up to the August 7 poll. It will be Thailand’s first return to the ballot box since the generals toppled an elected government two years ago and banned all political activities. Election Commissioner Somchai Srisuthiyakorn said the election agency filed the first charge under the law against a group who posted Facebook messages aimed at “inciting voters.” He said, “Those who post comments with rude or aggressive wordings are clearly violating the law.”

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