Indecisive

Yes or no? As the referendum fast approaches, arguments from both sides have failed to sway my sentiment either way. I appreciate my little yellow book but am starting to feel blase about it all.

Those supporting ratification of the draft constitution are basically squeamish living under junta rule, hoping for a speedy return to democracy in the form of national elections, or just tired of all this blabber. There is also the argument that the accepted constitution can be amended anyway, so it's best to vote yes to ensure that we move forward with "normal" democratic processes, and thus, signal to the outside world, and to financial markets, a return to greater stability in the country.

Those who are against the draft are comprised of groups on opposite ends of the socio-political spectrum. Basically, these are the urban academics and the traditionally rural-based poor. The academia argument is that a yes vote grants legitimacy to the September coup, sending a signal to the military leaders that they can do whatever they want (wonder if this has this ever not been the case?). Academics also deride the draft's creation of unbalanced power spheres within the military and the bureaucracy.

In Bangkok, the other, staunchly anti-charter voters are most visibly, the motorcycle and taxi drivers. These pro-Thaksiners fully support, and miss (as their bumper stickers attest) their deep-pocketed idol. Inevitably, rumors that funds from abroad will be used to pay off such voters have surfaced. On the other hand, the government itself is accused of paying Central province villagers to come to Bangkok to rally in support the new constitution this past weekend.

I support moving forward, yet do not fully believe the necessity of a new constitution, especially if the old one can be amended. Perhaps its drafting was a means of starting anew, of erasing traces of the old regime from the system. But it's also time-consuming, wasteful, and questionable. Are we better off in the end? I accept certain arguments posed by both sides, and that makes it impossible to decide.

The majority of registered Bangkokians will probably vote for the charter but a fair number of people seem undecided. Former TRT-strongholds and many rural constituencies will, of course, vote no. Either way, I don't think the outcome will throw the country into chaos or further divide the nation, as some warn. We have long been polarized, disenfranchised, or disinterested.