“Prits” Asserts Two Referendums Enough After Dialogue with House President.

Bangkok: "Prits" has disclosed discussions with the "President of the House of Representatives," emphasizing the sufficiency of conducting two referendums for constitutional amendments, offering it as a foundation for decision-making. In parallel, Mr. Wan Nor has requested a submission of a draft amendment to the constitution to introduce a new section concerning the Constituent Assembly. According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Panusaya Wacharasindhu, MP for the Prachachon Party and Chairman of the House of Representatives' Committee on Political Development, Mass Communications, and Public Participation, reported on a meeting with Mr. Wan Muhammad Noor Matha, President of the National Assembly. The meeting focused on the process of drafting a new constitution, particularly the contentious issue of the number of necessary referendums. The Constitutional Court's ruling No. 4/2564, which mandates at least two or three referendums, remains a subject of differing interpretations. Two significant insights emerged fro m discussions with the Speaker of the House and his team. Firstly, the majority opinion of the nine Constitutional Court judges, reflected in ruling 4/2564, clearly suggests that two referendums are adequate. Secondly, this interpretation was reinforced during an informal meeting with the President of the Constitutional Court last week. Mr. Prisht expressed that following these discussions with the Speaker, a draft constitutional amendment, including Section 15/1 concerning the Constituent Assembly (CDA) tasked with drafting a new constitution, should be resubmitted to the House. This move aims to provide the Coordinating Committee another opportunity to determine whether a third referendum is necessary or if two are sufficient based on the new insights. Addressing the timeline, Mr. Parit noted that the government had pledged to draft a new constitution before the upcoming election. Following the dissolution of the MOU between the Pheu Thai Party and the former Move Forward Party to form a government, there was a commitment to draft a new constitution prior to elections. However, Mr. Parit cautioned that adhering to the original plan of holding three referendums, without initiating the first until the Referendum Act's amendment is complete, significantly diminishes the likelihood of achieving this goal. The only viable path to fulfilling this objective is to reduce the referendums from three to two. Mr. Parit underscored the efforts made to clarify the court's ruling, including meetings with the President of the Constitutional Court and discussions with the House Speaker about reviewing the ruling's interpretation and including a draft amendment related to the Constituent Assembly. He reiterated the commitment to having a new constitution ready in time for the next election. When questioned about the feasibility of meeting the timeline, Mr. Parit acknowledged the challenges but emphasized the government's obligation to honor its promises. The drafting of a new constitution is a shared goal between the governme nt and the opposition, reflecting their mutual aspirations. Mr. Prisht, in his dual roles as a Prachachon Party MP and committee chairman, is dedicated to advancing this agenda and is hopeful for government cooperation. Discussions with core government leaders are anticipated, contingent upon the Prime Minister's readiness to meet. Regarding the timeline for establishing the new Constituent Assembly by 2025, Mr. Parit outlined several determining factors. If a draft amendment is submitted and accepted by the parliament, it could proceed through three readings within 3-6 months. Following the third reading, the first referendum might occur in late 2025. Assuming its success, a Constituent Assembly could be elected, allowing the drafting of a new constitution in 2026, with a second referendum potentially in early 2027, ahead of the next election. In terms of the House Speaker's role, Mr. Parit explained that while the draft constitution amendments have been scheduled for discussion, the Constituent Assembly amendment requires initial inclusion by the House Speaker. Further review is sought. Mr. Parit concluded that while the People's Party may consider submitting a new amendment draft, there is currently no justification for altering the original draft. Despite previous decisions to exclude the original drafts, any new information cannot alter those outcomes. Pol. Lt. Col. Aphat Sukhanan, Secretary-General of the House of Representatives, mentioned receiving new information for committee review regarding a new draft constitution. This information includes insights from the Constitutional Court, which the committee should use to support its conclusions. Decision-making rests with the proposer. Addressing the House Speaker's rationale for prioritizing the legal team's opinion over the majority of Constitutional Court judges advocating for two referendums, Pol. Lt. Col. Aphat explained that the Speaker posed new questions for committee consideration. The committee, comprising approximately ten members, evaluates these factors, with the House Speaker exercising final discretion. Most members concur with the committee's recommendations. Pol. Lt. Col. Aphat assured Mr. Prisht of considering the Constitutional Court President's opinion and, if possible, inviting Mr. Prisht and relevant parties for further discussion.