Bangkok: “Chusak” hopes the Constitutional Court will rule on holding a referendum twice to proceed with the amendment of the constitution. It is expected that the Constituent Assembly will be formed within this government. However, if a referendum is held three times, it will have to start over.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Chusak Sirinil, Minister Attached to the Prime Minister’s Office, discussed the upcoming Constitutional Court’s decision on the number of referendums required for constitutional amendment, scheduled for September 10th. He explained that if the court decides on two referendums, the constitutional amendment draft by the Pheu Thai Party, which proposes the election of a 200-member Constituent Assembly based on population distribution, and the Prachachon Party’s draft currently in parliament, can proceed immediately. The Speaker of the House has already included this in the agenda, and it will move forward to a third agenda vote, where it must meet the approval of one-third of the senators.
When questioned about the government’s objectives if the court mandates two referendums, Mr. Chusak highlighted the importance of senatorial agreement. He had previously addressed the Senate on July 21, requesting assistance in rectifying constitutional issues. He noted that, if successful, a new constitution could be drafted without altering Chapters 1 and 2 by establishing a Constitution Drafting Council. However, he cautioned that this might not be achievable within the current government’s term.
Mr. Chusak expressed hope that even without a new constitution, the Constituent Assembly could be formed, provided the Senate approves the initial referendum. This approval would enable the Assembly’s establishment, allowing it to continue its work and present a constitution for the new parliament, regardless of whether the current parliament is dissolved.
He further stated that if the Constitutional Court requires three referendums, the process would have to restart, invalidating the current drafts. A referendum would first need to be held to gauge public opinion on amending the entire constitution.