Picture courtesy of The Government Public Relations Department

THAILAND - The Royal Gazette has confirmed that the referendum on the constitution will occur alongside the general election, scheduled for February 8, 2026. Caretaker Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul signed this decision on December 23, 2025, marking a significant event in the nation's democratic process.

The government has officially set the date for both the general election and the constitutional referendum, allowing voters to express their preferences on the same day. The announcement aims to facilitate voter engagement by simplifying the voting process. Despite this, the short registration period for the referendum has raised concerns about the logistical challenges voters might face.

The civic group iLaw has expressed apprehension about potential disenfranchisement due to the restricted registration period. Registration for Thai voters, both domestically and abroad, must occur between January 3 and 5, during the New Year holiday season. This timing could lead to a lack of awareness among voters and a delay in voter participation.

The organisation has also noted potential issues with voter turnout, given that the referendum must take place nationwide on a single day with no provisions for advance voting. In contrast, advance voting for the general election is set for February 1, 2026, offering a partial solution for those unavailable on the actual election day, reported the Bangkok Post.

Key Takeaways

• The referendum and general election will be held on February 8, 2026.

• Concerns exist regarding short voter registration during the New Year.

• Advance voting for the election is on February 1, 2026, not applicable to the referendum.

Related Story:

Thailand’s General Election Set for February 8, 2026

  

Adapted by ASEAN Now from Bangkok Post 2026-01-03

 

 

Makes good sense..

Those against changing the Constitution - the comfortable city dwellers - will be out in numbers over the next 3 days to register.

Those who would be in favour of change if given half a chance including information they can understand - many of them poor & rural folks - won't have a clue.

Carefully designed to ensure that the outcome of the referendum will be no change to the Constitution.

13 minutes ago, mfd101 said:

Those against changing the Constitution - the comfortable city dwellers - will be out in numbers over the next 3 days to register.

Those who would be in favour of change if given half a chance including information they can understand - many of them poor & rural folks - won't have a clue.

Carefully designed to ensure that the outcome of the referendum will be no change to the Constitution.

Let's hope the relevant politicians make the effort to engage with these poor and rural folks to help them understand the need for change?

Kind of reminds me of the Brexit lies and the abject failure of the Conservative party to counter those lies.

2 hours ago, mfd101 said:

Those against changing the Constitution - the comfortable city dwellers - will be out in numbers over the next 3 days to register.

Those who would be in favour of change if given half a chance including information they can understand - many of them poor & rural folks - won't have a clue.

Carefully designed to ensure that the outcome of the referendum will be no change to the Constitution.

Didn't the comfortable city dwellers in Bangkok vote overwhelmingly for Future Forward and their proposal for constitutional reform at the last election?

3 hours ago, edwinchester said:

Didn't the comfortable city dwellers in Bangkok vote overwhelmingly for Future Forward and their proposal for constitutional reform at the last election?

Perhaps you're right. Which might explain why the never-touch-the-Constitution types have to stage a military coup at least once a decade ...

1 hour ago, mfd101 said:

Perhaps you're right. Which might explain why the never-touch-the-Constitution types have to stage a military coup at least once a decade ...

Almost two years overdue then.

Have I been living under a rock, or what? This is the first time I have heard about the upcoming election; voters are also voting to change the constitution.

A question, which part are they changing? I bet it will not be the bit about 100 members of the lower house being chosen by party lists, i.e. the military.

Or was that changed after the last general election, after it was approved in the last referendum in Thailand by the military government? I somehow doubt it.

19 hours ago, webfact said:

Registration for Thai voters, both domestically and abroad, must occur between January 3 and 5

This doesn't work for Thais outside of Thailand.

19 hours ago, webfact said:

The civic group iLaw has expressed apprehension about potential disenfranchisement due to the restricted registration period. Registration for Thai voters, both domestically and abroad, must occur between January 3 and 5

However:

Act on Referendum (2021) Section 22 - In a Vote if an eligible voter is unable to exercise his or her voting right on reasonable grounds .... shall not be barred from exercising from voting right. (my bold).

Follow the law Thailand.