Thailand Coalition Deadlocked: Constitutional Rewrite in Jeopardy
Bangkok—A political impasse has gripped Thailand as the opposition raises concerns over delays in the promised constitutional amendment, suggesting potential backroom deals between coalition partners. This stalled progress fuels speculation and highlights underlying tensions within the ruling coalition.
During a recent parliamentary session, Move Forward Party (MFP) MP and spokesperson Parit Wacharasindhu voiced concerns that the charter amendment is being used as a bargaining chip. Mr. Wacharasindhu’s interpellation, directed at Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, questioned the resistance to the rewrite from both a coalition partner, believed to be Bhumjaithai, and a significant number of senators. The Prime Minister, absent due to other engagements, delegated Deputy Prime Minister and Digital Economy and Society Minister Prasert Jantararuangtong to respond.
The core issue revolves around Section 256 of the constitution, outlining the amendment process. Two consecutive House meetings scheduled to vote on amending this section collapsed last week. This section is crucial as it paves the way for the formation of a Constitution Drafting Assembly (CDA), a necessary precursor to a full charter rewrite. Bhumjaithai openly opposes altering Section 256, citing concerns about potential legal ramifications based on a previous Constitutional Court interpretation. This interpretation suggests that establishing a CDA constitutes a wholesale rewrite, necessitating a prior public referendum.
Adding complexity, Pheu Thai, the coalition’s leading party, sought a Constitutional Court ruling on parliament’s authority to amend Section 256 without a referendum. This effectively halted the amendment process, a point of contention highlighted by Mr. Wacharasindhu. He warned that even if Bhumjaithai agrees to proceed after the court ruling, the predominantly «blue» senators—a reference to Bhumjaithai’s party color—might still block the rewrite.
Mr. Wacharasindhu further pointed to inconsistencies between Ms. Shinawatra’s claims of discussions with coalition partners about the rewrite and Bhumjaithai leader Anutin Charnvirakul’s denial of such conversations. He also highlighted the controversial entertainment complex draft bill, which includes provisions for casinos and is championed by Pheu Thai. Mr. Wacharasindhu questioned whether the charter amendment’s delay is intended to secure Bhumjaithai’s support for the entertainment complex project, suggesting a political trade-off.
In response, Mr. Jantararuangtong reiterated Pheu Thai’s commitment to amending the charter and explained that the request for the Constitutional Court’s ruling aimed to allay fears of legal repercussions. He maintained coalition unity despite differing views, emphasizing the importance of legal clarity to protect all parties. Mr. Jantararuangtong confirmed that the entertainment complex bill is under review by the Council of State and hasn’t reached parliament, adding that the government considers both the entertainment complex and the charter amendment equally important policy priorities.
This situation underscores the delicate balance of power within Thailand’s ruling coalition. The debate surrounding the charter rewrite highlights the complexities of constitutional reform and the potential for political maneuvering within the government. The Constitutional Court’s ruling on Section 256 will be pivotal, shaping the future of this crucial political reform and significantly impacting the balance of power and Thailand’s political landscape.
