Bangkok: Noppadon Pattama has proposed that the government compile a summary of MOUs 43-44 after a poll found that nearly 70% of the public still do not know the details. He suggested that relevant government agencies should be consulted first to determine whether the MOUs should be cancelled.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Noppadon Pattama, former Minister of Foreign Affairs, addressed the government’s proposed referendum on whether to revoke MOU 43-44. A Nida Poll survey found that nearly 70% of the public still doesn’t know the contents of the MOUs. Both support and opposition to the referendum exist, with each side having their reasons. Noppadon emphasized the need for the government to expedite information dissemination on the contents, pros, and cons of both MOUs over the next four months. He suggested starting with a summary of key points to aid public understanding, as many people are busy with their livelihoods and do not have the time to study the issue. The MOUs involve technical matters, international law, and territorial disputes, leading to differing opinions among the public, some based on facts and others not. Therefore, he proposed that a summary of the MOU’s key points, excluding confidential negotiations, be made available online for public study, which would be extremely ben
eficial.
Mr. Noppadon also proposed that before a public referendum, the government should assign the National Security Council (NSC) to study the pros and cons and assess the implications of revoking MOUs 43-44. He highlighted that government agencies with extensive knowledge and responsibilities, such as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Treaty Department, the Royal Thai Survey Department, the Hydrographic Department, and the military, should be involved in evaluating the MOUs’ implications. These agencies, having adhered to the MOUs for over 20 years, are more familiar with their contents than the general public. By providing information and facilitating debate, the administration can significantly enhance public awareness and understanding, potentially informing the decision on whether to proceed with the referendum.