PM Anutin Urged to Pair Referendum With 2026 Election

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Thailand's Chief Opposition Whip Pakornwut Udompipatsakul has urged Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul to align a public referendum on constitutional amendments with the upcoming general election, anticipated between February and March. Pakornwut emphasized that Anutin should ensure the electoral process includes a referendum allowing citizens to decide on charter amendments and the establishment of a constitution amendment committee. This request coincides with a crucial session in which legislators will deliberate on the constitutional amendment bill, potentially paving the way for its final reading by the end of December.

Pakornwut's call to action follows the planned extraordinary joint House/Senate session, starting tomorrow, to discuss the second reading of the constitutional amendment bill. The bill is required by law to have a 15-day interval before its final reading, anticipated between December 26 and 29. Pakornwut suggests that the Election Commission should prepare for the simultaneous conduct of the referendum and the general election, citing sufficient resources and staff.

The prime minister, who also leads the Bhumjaithai party, is unlikely to dissolve the House until the amendment bill has completed its legislative journey and is ready for a referendum. Anutin has previously committed to keeping the House intact until the constitutional amendment process is finalized, ensuring a general election between February and March. However, there is speculation that Anutin could initiate the election process sooner, possibly by late December or early January.

Critics speculate Anutin's timing for the election may aim to precede the potential release of Thaksin Shinawatra, who may attract sympathy votes for the Pheu Thai party. Thaksin's potential influence includes family connections running as Pheu Thai candidates for prime minister, such as his nephew Yodchanan Wongsawat and son-in-law Nattapong Kunakornwong. Yodchanan, deputy rector at Mahidol University, could align his political ambitions with familial expectations, potentially impacting the upcoming election dynamic, reported Thai Newsroom.

Key Takeaways

• Pakornwut urges PM to pair referendum with the upcoming election.
• Final reading of the constitutional amendment bill expected by late December.
• Speculation surrounds Thaksin's influence on election timing and outcome.

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  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Thai Newsroom 2025-12-09