From Thammasat students to Thai Port football fans, here's how Bangkok will vote in the referendum
We asked people across Bangkok how they're going to vote. The results might surprise you.
8 years ago
Young Professionals on Thonglor
Kanyaporn, 25, customer relations manager
I don’t really keep up with politics so I haven’t read the constitution draft yet. I think the main issues in society are the lack of education, narrow-mindedness and not being able to accept the voice of the majority.
Verdict: Undecided
Manassalil, 28, and Norarit, 27, flower shop owners
We’re interested to know more about the draft constitution but don’t have the resources to gain insight into it. We’re worried that some interpretations may be biased. There are two sides to everything. The drafting committee only presents the good side; others only criticize it.
Verdict: Undecided
Akarawat, 27, cabin crew
I have not read it and don’t know when the referendum is.
Verdict: Undecided
Niratchaporn, 25, freelance dancer
Our major problem now is the bad economy. My family has been so affected by this because we’re in the cargo business. Still, I might not even go to vote since I don’t care so much about elections in general.
Verdict: Abstention
Nadvalai, 30, and Raiman, 26, both self employed
We have read the summarized version of the draft but don’t think the government has promoted it enough. People don’t truly understand this stuff and just follow the majority when they vote.
Verdict: No comment
Aunties and uncles in the Old Town
Kitti, 65, pharmacist
I follow the news on TV very closely but I’m still waiting for them to send the draft for us to read. I think [ ] * Thailand’s political history will always repeat itself anyway no matter what.
Verdict: No vote
Wanphen, 72, retired
I really like this government and I want the prime minister to continue working because he has made our country more orderly. The city has become cleaner which I really appreciate.
Verdict: Yes vote
Xia, 70, dumpling seller
I have been helping my father sell dumplings since I was a child and I have never been to school so I can’t read. I don’t know much about politics but from my perspective I’m happy with Thailand’s current situation.
Verdict: Abstention
Manop, 48, street vendor
I’m not originally from Bangkok but I always go back to my hometown for every election. I suppose this draft should be good based on the information from the government and the fact that it will prevent corruption among politicians, so I support it.
Verdict: Yes vote
Prayat, 66, retired
I don’t catch up with the news much but I sometimes get information from my friends via Line. It’s more likely that I will vote yes because I don’t want any more corruption in Thailand and this constitution draft will solve this problem.
Verdict: Yes vote
Petch, 61, waitress
I still don’t know how I will vote because I don’t know much about the referendum, only what I’ve heard from some TV news. I will surely go back to my hometown in Chiang Mai to vote as I always do for every election.
Verdict: Undecided
Wisarn, 66, retired
I will definitely vote yes because I totally agree with getting rid of corrupt people and letting young blood step up to run the country instead. I really like this draft and don’t understand why people are against it.
Verdict: Yes vote
Football Fans at PAT Stadium
Chanchana, 31, self-employed
[ ] * I’ll vote no for sure.
Verdict: No vote
Preechakorn, 19, university student
I think it has both good and bad sides. It might help our country, but I don’t know what side I should vote for.
Verdict: Undecided
Pohnpissanu, 46, freelancer
The Thai nature is to oppose everything, whether it’s good or bad. It’s yet to be seen whether the majority will accept the charter, but if you ask me, I think I would say yes.
Verdict: Yes vote
Pakorn, 23, university student
It’s not so interesting for me. It would be better, I guess. I’m not really concerned about this, it’s none of my business.
Verdict: Undecided
Sarayuth, 40, civil servent
I have seen very little about it but people right now are separated no matter what. Any referendum is good. If you ask me, “will I accept it or not?” I would say yes.
Verdict: Yes vote
Drivers at Hua Lampong
Jamras, 47, taxi driver
I know nothing, I cannot reply whether it’s good or bad, but it will be very hard to solve our country’s problems. I would like to read it before I go to vote.
Verdict: Undecided
Chanon, 42, tuktuk driver
I don’t want to be involved. I just know that this Aug 7 there is something happening.
Verdict: Abstention
Sompis, 50, taxi driver
I drive all the time and never watch news or even television. I might not go to vote, I have to work.
Verdict: Abstention
Pawin, 53, customer service officer
I haven’t read it yet. I doubt I’ll go to vote because I might have to work late. Anyway, [ ] *
Verdict: Abstention
Wallop, 50, tuktuk driver
I know Aug 7 is the day to vote but I don’t know much information about the points in the constitution. It might be good, I guess. I can’t tell which side I’ll pick.
Verdict: Undecided
Students at Thammasat University
Piyapong, 21, legal student
Jun 27 is the anniversary of the day Thailand’s first constitution was established. It is also the day that my friends were jailed because they tried to make every Thai know more about the referendum in our country, not long after the United Kingdom held its referendum on the EU. It’s funny that while the British campaigned for their referendum publicly, Thai people still cannot talk about it freely. We are told that human rights are constitutionally enshrined in this country, but it should be questioned, “is that true?” because we [ ] *
Verdict: No comment
Radis, 20, legal student
A referendum is essential. [ ] *
Verdict: No vote
Thunyaporn, 18, commerce student
I don’t know about this at all, so I cannot point out exactly how I will vote.
Verdict: Undecided
Peesadech, 21, business student
[ ] *
Verdict: No comment
Jitrapa, 22, recent graduate
I believe everyone should vote. I don’t care what side you choose so long as you exercise that right. Personally, I will vote no. [ ] *
Verdict: No vote
*We don't want to get anyone in trouble, so certain comments have been masked due to uncertainty regarding what constitutes fair comment on the referendum according to the government.
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