Bangkok: Anutin Charnvirakul, the Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior, has deferred the decision on the draft amendment to the constitution to the House of Representatives, emphasizing that it is a parliamentary mechanism that will oversee the implementation. He reassured that the Bhumjaithai Party will not alter Sections 1 and 2 of the constitution and expressed no concern about the process extending beyond four months, as it is already underway.

According to Thai News Agency, Anutin addressed a joint parliamentary meeting focused on constitutional amendments, noting that the Pheu Thai Party is advocating for its amendment to be the primary draft. Anutin mentioned that discussions are scheduled, with a joint parliamentary meeting set for October 14-15, and confirmed that all proceedings will adhere to parliamentary mechanisms.

Regarding the timeline of the constitutional amendment draft, Anutin stated that the process aligns with meetings held with various political parties and is part of a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with the Prachachon Party, necessitating compliance with the agreement. When questioned about the potential for completion within the government’s tenure of less than four months, Anutin remarked that the matter being raised in parliament signifies it has commenced.

Anutin also addressed inquiries about whether the Prime Minister had verified the Senate’s votes, stating that he had not, as all actions are conducted through democratic mechanisms. On the topic of the bill’s potential passage, he acknowledged that each party maintains its own stance. The Bhumjaithai Party will refrain from addressing Sections 1 and 2, with discussions on other sections to follow. Anutin expressed hope for success in the principle session, which would then move the bill to the committee level.

When asked about the government’s capability to advance this issue to the third reading for a referendum and election preparations, Anutin stressed the necessity for collaboration. He noted that the People’s Party desires the Bhumjaithai Party to initiate the constitutional amendment process.