Bangkok: Bovornsak Uwanno led a team in discussions with the Election Commission (EC) regarding the budget use for Phase 2 of the “Half-Price Plus” project and the Cabinet’s mobile meetings. He emphasized that these actions align with announced policies and are not acts of premature campaigning, while also mentioning that the Cabinet will deliberate on referendum questions for constitutional amendments in their upcoming session.
According to Thai News Agency, the meeting commenced at 9:30 a.m. and included key figures such as Mrs. Natthacharee Anantsilp, Secretary-General of the Cabinet, and Mr. Pakorn Nilpraphan, Secretary-General of the Council of State. The discussion with the EC, led by Chairman Mr. Narong Klanwarin, focused on the responsibilities of the caretaker cabinet following the royal decree to dissolve parliament. Key topics included the approval process for the second phase of the “Half-Price” co-payment scheme, budget allocations, permissions for mobile cabinet meetings, and the timeline for upcoming elections.
Before the meeting, Mr. Bowornsak clarified that the proposed election date of February 8, 2026, should be addressed by the EC, as government officials making such statements hold no sway. He also noted that any potential referendum coinciding with the election would require EC consultation, as the government alone does not have the authority to make such decisions. This would necessitate discussions with the EC and a review of the relevant laws.
When questioned about the distinction between referendum questions proposed independently by the Cabinet and those proposed through Parliament, Mr. Bowornsak refrained from providing specifics. He mentioned that this topic would likely be addressed in the Cabinet meeting scheduled for the following day. On the feasibility of conducting a referendum alongside the election, he expressed personal belief in its possibility, contingent on discussions with the EC.
Mr. Bowornsak reiterated plans to discuss Phase 2 of the co-payment scheme with the EC, emphasizing that this initiative has been under governmental consideration for a significant time and has been discussed by the Economic Policy Committee.
Regarding concerns that the project’s approval might be perceived as pre-election campaigning, Mr. Bowornsak deferred to the EC for clarification. He explained that the project’s conception and Phase 2 announcement were part of longstanding policy discussions, necessitating EC consultation. Should the Commission find the project unfeasible, the government would not proceed, as there would be no point in pursuing an impossible initiative.