Nathee Thirarojanapong, president of the Thai Political Gay Group, said a network of homosexual rights groups has agreed that the clause guaranteeing equal rights for men and women should also include the phrase "and people with other sexual conditions and preferences".

The so-called "third sex" includes gays, lesbians, transvestites and cross-dressers.

"This would genuinely guarantee the rights of all people," Nathee said.

Nathee, an avid gay rights activist, said homosexual rights groups were optimistic that the next constitution will be accommodating to their plights because many clauses "offer a bright outlook" for Thai society.

He said that the groups agreed that the country was now in need of unity and therefore Thai voters should allow the draft charter to pass the referendum even if the demands of his network are not addressed in the draft.

However, it is hope that the new charter would permits the inclusions of the rights of the "third sex" in the future.

The Nation