File photo for reference only

 

The People's Party (PP) has supported Bhumjaithai's government formation contingent on conditions, including a House dissolution within four months of delivering its policy statement to parliament. Critical to this is the constitutional amendment push, depending on a Constitutional Court ruling. If a public referendum is mandated, it must be held before the next general election; otherwise, swift amendments to Section 256 are required to establish an elected constitution drafting assembly (CDA) during the current term.

 

Political analysts suspect Bhumjaithai's new administration may struggle to meet the PP’s timeline. After Anutin Charnvirakul was appointed Prime Minister on September 5, a new cabinet must be formed, receive royal endorsement, and present its policy to parliament, likely starting the four-month countdown in early October. Consequently, the deadline for House dissolution would be early February next year.

 

Last week, a court decision by a 5-2 majority affirmed parliament's authority to draft a new constitution, pending a referendum. The court also specified three referendums, allowing potential merger of the first two, to consult public approval of a new charter. Meanwhile, the ruling, barring directly elected CDA members, responded to a petition for clarifying parliament's role in initiating charter drafts.

 

Legal experts, like Jade Donavanik from Dhurakij Pundit University, highlighted that multiple referendums are required for complete charter amendments. The government also faces significant hurdles, such as amending Section 256, requiring substantial cross-party and senatorial support. Furthermore, passage of the referendum law awaits royal endorsement and will automatically activate in November if not approved within 90 days.

 

Another challenge is frequent parliamentary session collapses due to lack of quorum, risking delay in meeting the PP’s demands. Khomsan Phokhong, a former charter drafter, suggested the PP's push for charter amendment might be political leverage, doubting the feasibility of completing the first referendum before the February dissolution deadline. He speculates the PP might aim for a snap election, believing it advantageous if held soon.

 

Key Takeaways

• Bhumjaithai risks missing PP's four-month constitutional deadline.
• Court mandates multiple referendums for charter drafting.
• Amendments face procedural hurdles in parliament.

 

Related Stories:

Thais Doubt Anutin's Govt Will Last Beyond Four Months

Thai PM Anutin Flies High with Fleet of Private Planes

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Bangkok Post 2025-09-15

 

 

When there is a coup nothing is required to make a new charter. A few changes in this one ate almost impossible. Write a completr new one and destroy the current is quicker and better