ALTHOUGH the Middle East conflict and its impact on global economy, including Thailand, due to soaring prices of oil and natural gas affecting cost of living are dire issues that have to be tackled the government should not use this as an excuse to not amend the constitution or draft a new one, former Democrat MP Thepthai Senapong said today (April 28).
A total of 60 percent of the voters in the Feb. 8, 2026 referendum, held alongside the general election, approved that there should be a new constitution, while 32 percent were against it. This gives parliament a public mandate to start drafting a new constitution to replace the current military-designed charter.
While 21 million people had approved the drafting of a new constitution, when reporters questioned the government whip on the progress and stance of the government on this issue, the reply was that the administration is currently focusing on addressing economic problems, particularly energy issues, while monitoring the conflict in the Middle East, Thepthai said.
In reality, solving political and economic problems can be done simultaneously, as the government’s responsibilities are not limited to one area. Thailand faces numerous problems, and the government, as the country’s highest administrator, must take responsibility for all of them, he said.
Attempting to put off this issue by bringing up economic and energy problems, amid the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. is merely a face-saving measure, he pointed out.
A review of the current government’s policy statement to the joint parliamentary session clearly shows very few policies on amending the current constitution or drafting a new one. Even Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul’s somewhat conciliatory response, claiming it wasn’t necessary to include this issue in the policy statement because it stemmed from a public referendum, is inadequate.
In reality, to ensure the government takes the referendum result seriously and respects the majority’s voice, a timeline for amending or drafting a new constitution should be set during this administration’s term with failure to do so being deemed that both the referendum and the recent election were held in vain.
“We urge the government to prioritise the drafting of a new constitution, as it reflects the people’s will and equates to a consensus reached by the entire Thai population. The government has a duty to push for its successful completion and should not use economic problems as an excuse, arguing that the people’s livelihood must be addressed first, when the constitution is the most important law,” he said.
CAPTIONS:
Top – A graphic image on a new constitution. Credit – Thai Rath
Insert – Former Democrat MP Thepthai Senapong. Photo – Naewna
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