Bangkok: Pheu Thai Party has expressed concerns about the timeline for holding a referendum on constitutional amendments, urging the People’s Party to expedite negotiations with Anutin Charnvirakul and instruct the “blue” Senate to facilitate the process. The party fears delays could give the impression that the Orange-Blue memorandum of agreement (MOA) is a pre-arranged deal to deceive the public.
According to Thai News Agency, Danupon Punnakanta, spokesperson for the Pheu Thai Party, highlighted the urgency of amending the 2017 Constitution following the Constitutional Court’s recent ruling on the referendum process. The ruling, issued on September 10, 2025, stated that Constituent Assembly members cannot be directly elected, which was not part of the original petition but is binding on all organizations. This has raised concerns among various parties about the feasibility of conducting a referendum within the four-month timeframe.
The Pheu Thai Party has proposed an amendment to the Constitution, adding Chapter 15/1 to facilitate the drafting of a new constitution. The party aims to establish a Constituent Assembly or committee that aligns with the public’s will. A committee has been tasked with studying the most appropriate approaches before the motion is submitted to Parliament, as announced in a press conference on September 11th. The party is committed to ensuring a public referendum and a new constitution in a methodical manner.
There are widespread concerns about whether the constitutional amendment process will be completed on time as per the MOA between the Prachachon and Bhumjaithai parties. The process involves a joint parliamentary review and requires Senate approval, followed by a second public referendum. This complexity has led to speculation that the process may exceed the four-month deadline.
Doubts have been raised about the People’s Party’s confidence in amending the constitution and holding a referendum within the stipulated period. Questions also linger regarding the fulfillment of the five MOA points developed with the Bhumjaithai Party. The People’s Party’s role as an opposition entity has been called into question, especially regarding its commitment to maintaining a quorum for the Bhumjaithai-led government.
To enhance the prospects of constitutional amendment and public referendum, the People’s Party is urged to engage with Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul. By clarifying the matter with the Senate, known as the “blue” Senate, and preventing obstructions, the party can address public concerns that the Senate is hindering the draft Referendum Act. This initiative aims to dispel notions that the Orange-Blue MOA is a fixed arrangement.