Bangkok: The new breed of senators bowed in respect to the 19.8 million votes in favor of drafting a new constitution. The chairman of the Political Affairs Committee urged the new government to clearly outline the framework for drafting the constitution in its policy statement, hoping to hold a second referendum before the end of 2026.

According to Thai News Agency, a group of new-generation senators, led by Mr. Noraset Prachyakorn, Chairman of the Committee on Political Development, Public Participation, Human Rights, Freedoms, and Consumer Protection, along with Senators Mr. Tewarit Maneechai, Ms. Nantana Nantavaropas, Mr. Sunthorn Phruekpipat, Mr. Veerayut Soithong, and Ms. Maneerat Khemavong, issued a statement thanking the public for their participation in the referendum approving the new constitution, totaling over 19.8 million votes.

Mr. Noraset called on the new government to clearly define the framework and process for drafting a new constitution, to be stated in their policy statement, in accordance with the results of the public referendum. He believes the results reflect the constitutional crisis, with the public opening the door to change. However, he supports a transparent process for drafting the new constitution that allows for public participation, regardless of whether people agreed or disagreed with the referendum results.

'Regarding the framework for drafting the constitution based on the first referendum results, I would really like to hear a clear statement from the government on whether it's a new process or if they will reaffirm the draft amendment to Article 256 that is still under consideration by Parliament. Ideally, I would like to see a second referendum held no later than the end of 2026, along with sufficient public awareness and understanding. I understand that the amendment to Article 256 of the Constitution involves details that need to be explained to the public to truly reflect the will of the people,' Mr. Noraset said.

Meanwhile, Ms. Nanthana appealed to the majority of Senators in the Senate to consider the mandate of the people who voted in favor of amending the 2017 Constitution in the first, second, and third readings, because the result was considered to be greater than the result of the referendum in favor of the 2017 Constitution in 2016.

Mr. Tewarit stated that in the process of amending Article 256 of the Constitution, which is pending its second reading in Parliament, he sees several points of conflict and disagreement, particularly regarding the process for drafting the constitution. He noted that the "20-to-1" formula, which allows Parliament to form a group to select 35 representatives for the constitution drafting committee, raises concerns based on the Bhumjaithai Party's expected victory in the general election (allowing them to win nearly 200 seats) and the support of the Senate. Therefore, he believes that the most appropriate method for selecting those responsible for drafting the new constitution should be through direct or indirect elections.

Reporters said that after the new generation of senators finished their press conference, they lined up and bowed to express their gratitude to those who voted in favor of the new constitution in the referendum.