Prime Minister’s Office Minister Paradorn Prissananantakul stated that the cabinet declined to reaffirm prior constitutional amendment drafts, as similar attempts in the previous parliament sparked intense political conflicts and resulted in the House’s dissolution.
Addressing Referendum Voter Concerns
Opposition critics argue the government disregards the preferences of 21 million voters who backed constitutional reform in the February 8 referendum. Mr. Paradorn countered that debates over curbing the Senate’s influence on amendments previously stalled proceedings.
Pursuing the unchanged draft would likely lead to failure at the third reading, he noted, wasting parliamentary time since no similar motion could resurface in the same session and frustrating reform supporters.
New Draft Strategy
Mr. Paradorn confirmed the Bhumjaithai Party will review a fresh amendment draft at its May 19 meeting. Once internally approved, the party intends to submit it independently, backed by signatures from its 192 MPs—surpassing the required one-fifth threshold.
The updated version sidesteps divisive elements from the original to foster wider agreement and advance the process. It proposes selecting a constitution drafting assembly through parliamentary channels, open to applicant candidates.
Parliamentary Debate Context
Discussions arose during a joint parliamentary session reviewing 34 pending bills from the prior term, which the cabinet aims to revive under Section 147 of the constitution.
Opposition leader Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut challenged the government’s selection criteria for reviving bills, condemning the exclusion of opposition initiatives on constitutional changes, environmental safeguards, and labor protections. He insisted parliament should determine their viability.
People’s Party MP Parit Wacharasindhu charged the government with insincerity on reform, alleging it and allies profit from the current framework, including the Senate’s structure and overreaching independent agencies.
Senator Nantana Nantavaropas faulted the administration for reneging on reform commitments, claiming it seeks to retain control over state bodies.
Referendum Outcome
In the referendum, 58.6% supported drafting a new charter, 30.5% favored retaining the existing one, 8.3% abstained, and 2.6% of ballots were invalid.
