The constitution matters

Thai Enquirer reports that pro-democracy activist and human rights lawyer Arnon Nampa has “petitioned the Criminal Court for temporary release on bail so he could vote in an upcoming general election and a referendum on amending the constitution.”

Arnon’s submission was a political statement:

He argued that constitutional amendment is the only peaceful path to a fully democratic system and said approving changes reflects the will of the people. He urged the court to allow his release to exercise his voting rights and said he would accept any conditions imposed.

Arnon has been jailed for three years mostly for Article 112 convictions and “is serving combined prison sentences of more than 29 years over past protests and still faces three pending cases…”.

It is not stated whether the court has yet proclaimed its response, but given its persistent rejection of bail applications and the court’s anti-democratic proclivities, Arnon’s submission is more or less ensured to be rejected.