Photo via jcomp on Freepik

Three conservative political parties in Thailand, the Rak Chart Thai Party, Thai Pakdee Party, and the United Thai Nation (UTN) Party, have declared their opposition to replacing the 2017 constitution. This announcement was made on January 14 during campaign activities in Nakhon Ratchasima and Surat Thani. The parties warned that a complete rewrite could be economically burdensome and politically hazardous.

The background to this development includes the tension surrounding Thailand's political landscape, where debates over constitutional reform have intensified. Jade Donavanik of the Rak Chart Thai Party argued against a full constitutional overhaul, citing high financial costs as a major deterrent. Instead, he proposed revising only problematic sections as a more feasible solution.

Jade noted that during his local engagements, many were surprised by the conservative parties' resistance to a complete rewrite, as this stance is typically associated with progressive groups. Despite this unexpected position, Jade defended the 2017 constitution, emphasizing its role in maintaining national stability and the continuity of state functions.

Dr. Warong Dechgitvigrom, leader of the Thai Pakdee Party, expressed concerns that dismantling the current constitution could compromise crucial systems like anti-corruption mechanisms and ethical standards. He warned about potential divisions and the threat of foreign influence if foundational changes were pursued.

Pirapan Salirathavibhaga of the UTN Party highlighted the importance of provisions that prevent individuals with criminal backgrounds from resuming political roles. He argued that abolishing the entire constitution might allow disqualified figures to re-enter politics, posing a risk to governance.

Looking ahead, Thailand’s Constitutional Court recently ruled that any initiative to draft a new constitution must involve three referendums and exclude elected charter drafters. This decision adds complexity to the discourse on constitutional change, ensuring that reform efforts would require substantial public endorsement and procedural compliance, reported The Thaiger, reported The Thaiger.

Key Takeaways

• Conservative parties in Thailand resist replacing the 2017 constitution due to perceived risks and costs.

• Leaders are concerned about compromising stability and governance standards.

• Future constitutional change must adhere to stringent referendum requirements.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Thaiger 2026-01-15

 

 

Reforms are needed and the current constitution is not democratic... Anyway there will always people oppose changes, but often it is the only way to go forward

The People's Constitution of 2007 was the only Thai Constitution with firm protections for freedoms, rights and liberties. Of course, when the military coup took over, the first thing they did was trash this Constitution and install one favourable to the military.

Any new Constitution should be modeled on 2007 and the People's Party should be the ones to do it.

What's interesting to me is the fierce defense of 112. Who benefits from it? Certainly not the monarch himself. The King is the symbol of Thailand.