Source: The Buddhist Channel/The Nation

http://www.buddhistchannel.tv/index.php?id=52,3725,0,0,1,0

Bangkok, Thailand -- Defence Minister General Boonrawd Somtas is worried about growing disunity over calls to declare Buddhism the official religion in the new constitution. He predicted yesterday the issue could become a national controversy.

"If there is public opposition to omitting the declaration from the charter then the government could be in trouble," he said.

Pressure groups are demanding the constitution include a declaration making Buddhism the official state religion. They have threatened to vote down the draft at a referendum if it is omitted.

"They may become a force of people against the Council for National Security. It is a worry because more than 90 per cent of the country practises Buddhism,'' he said.

Constitution Drafting Committee (CDC) deputy chairman Decho Sawanonont said groups unsuccessfully pushed for an official religion in the 1997 Constitution.

"The new charter will be voted on in a referendum and drafters have to listen to the voice of the people," said Decho, who helped draft the 1997 charter.