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Published on August 13, 2007

Group member Kuthep Saikrachang asserted he was told the ministry called leaders in the lower-Northeast provinces on Friday to survey voting trends. They were allegedly asked to report back yesterday.

"Village heads and kamnan are worried and stressed because the ministry said if their areas voted against the draft, they would be transferred. Is this fair?'' he said.

A former Thai Rak Thai member of Parliament for Chiang Rai, Wisarn Techateerawat, yesterday denied allegations politicians in the province used proceeds from gambling at casinos in neighbouring countries to induce voters to reject the draft at the referendum this Sunday.

"No politicians I know in Chiang Rai gambles and no one would use money from gambling for such a political campaign. Besides, Chiang Rai is still under martial law," he said.

"The military is faking these allegations to distract people from news that people have been selling copies of the constitution as scrap paper.''

Wisarn insisted politicians would rather use their money for election campaigns.

Deputy Public Health Minister Vallop Thaineua dismissed as "groundless" claims ministry officials were paying its volunteers to vote for the constitution.

"There are thousands of volunteers. How can we have money to give them all?'' he said.

He encouraged volunteers to exercise their rights only.

Roi Et Provincial Health Volunteer Office chairman Chamlong Srisala said there were 30,000 volunteers in Roi Et and 800,000 across the country and none accepted money.

"I have never seen that. I only see former Thai Rak Thai party members of Parliament offering money to people to vote down the draft. I do not believe it will work; most people don't like Thai Rak Thai like before,'' he said.

Prime Minister's Office Minister Thirapat Serirangsan led singers and actors to Chatuchak Weekend Market yesterday to encourage people to vote in the referendum.

Thirapat dismissed allegations from Thai Rak Thai group leader Chaturon Chaisang that the government was forcing state officials to sanction the draft.

"We have a referendum because we want people to freely exercise their rights,'' he said.

Chaturon can campaign to vote down the constitution if he requests permission, he added.

Thirapat said Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont rewarding the province with the biggest voter turnout did not break the law.

The prime minister simply wanted people to vote - for or against the charter.