Bawornsak led a team to meet with the Election Commission to seek clarity on the election timeline and Phase 2 of the 'Khon La Khrueng' scheme. He revealed that referendum questions will be submitted to the Cabinet tomorrow, stressing that the current government will not push forward with anything that cannot continue.
At 09:43 on 15 Dec 2025 GMT+7, at the Election Commission office, Deputy Prime Minister Bawornsak Uwanno, accompanied by Pakorn Nilprapan, Secretary-General of the Council of State, and Natjaree Anansilp, Secretary-General of the Cabinet, met with the Election Commission led by Chair Narong Klunwarin. They discussed the caretaker Cabinet’s duties after the royal decree dissolving the parliament, focusing on approval of the 'Khon La Khrueng' Phase 2 project, the budget and approval process for the Cabinet’s mobile meetings, and the appropriate timing for holding elections.
Before the meeting, Mr. Bawornsak said that the proposed election date of Sunday, 8 Feb 2026 must be confirmed by the Election Commission, as only the EC has the authority to set it. Regarding whether the referendum can be held on the same day as the election, that also needs to be discussed with the EC because the government cannot decide unilaterally and must consider relevant laws.
When asked about the difference between referendum questions proposed directly by the Cabinet versus those proposed by Parliament through the Cabinet, Mr. Bawornsak declined to provide details, saying discussions will take place at tomorrow’s Cabinet meeting. Whether the referendum can be held alongside the election within the remaining timeframe will also be discussed with the EC, though personally he believes it is possible.
Mr. Bawornsak also said that today they would discuss the 'Khon La Khrueng' Phase 2 project with the EC. The government had committed to the project long ago, as had the Economic Policy Committee. Regarding concerns that approving the project amounts to campaigning before the election, he said he was unaware and that the EC must be asked. Since the project was planned well in advance and announced as a policy for Phase 2, they need to consult the EC. If the EC says it cannot proceed, then the government will not force it.