Bangkok: Deputy Prime Minister Bowornsak Uwanno has revealed the government's detailed four-month timeline, which includes dissolving parliament on January 31, 2026, and holding elections along with a referendum on March 29, 2026. The timeline aims to expedite the process, with Pheu Thai Party advocating for a faster progression.
According to Thai News Agency, Bowornsak clarified that the constitution's amendment process primarily lies with parliament, limiting governmental interference. The procedure mandates that the parliamentary speaker submits the draft constitution to the Prime Minister, who then collaborates with the Election Commission (EC) to schedule the referendum and formulate the referendum questions. The timeline is structured around three key components: the constitutional amendment, the Referendum Act, and the MoA.
The timeline outlines two scenarios. In the first scenario, if the current Organic Referendum Act is utilized, the four-month period commences on October 1, 2025. Following this period, parliament must dissolve on January 31, 2026. The law stipulates that elections occur within 45 to 60 days post-dissolution, making March 29, 2026, a suitable date for elections. Parliament is required to vote on the third reading of the draft constitutional amendment by December 15-20, 2025, and the Prime Minister and EC must announce the referendum resolution by December 30, 2025.
In the second scenario, if a new organic law on the referendum is enacted, this allows for extended consideration of the draft constitutional amendment, reducing the referendum period from 90 to 60 days. In this case, parliament would still dissolve on January 31, 2026, with the election and referendum scheduled for March 29, 2026. Parliament must vote on the third reading between January 15 and 19, 2026, and the referendum resolution must be announced by January 29, 2025.
Dr. Cholanat Srikaew, a Pheu Thai Party MP for Nan, expressed support for the timeline but noted a minor discrepancy. He suggested an earlier vote on the third reading by December 8, 2025, to ensure timely processing. He emphasized the importance of a special session after December 8th to facilitate the process, potentially allowing the proposal to reach the Prime Minister within three days.
Bowornsak's timeline allocates December 12, 2025, as the date for parliament to pass a resolution to the Cabinet for holding a referendum. The first referendum question will gauge public support for a new constitution. Initially, March 22, 2026, was considered for the referendum, but March 29, 2026, was ultimately deemed more suitable. The Referendum Act 2021 outlines a 90-day period for the referendum, with a buffer of 4-5 days, ensuring compliance within the specified timeframe.