Chaturon proposes launching a full-scale referendum campaign and urges the Election Commission to swiftly establish guidelines supporting political parties and civil society to join forces.
On 15 Dec 2025 GMT+7, Chaturon Chaisang, former MP of the Pheu Thai Party, emphasized the need to accelerate efforts to encourage citizens to vote in the referendum. He stressed that since the process aims to hold the referendum alongside the election, the key issue is the communication and campaigning by all sectors. He proposed that "a full-scale campaign must be launched" so the referendum is not overshadowed by election campaigning. He also suggested that the Pheu Thai Party should set joint campaign policies and expressed his readiness to collaborate fully with all parties.
Chaturon explained that the referendum question is whether the public approves drafting a new constitution, describing it as a decisive point. If the majority of voters approve, Parliament can initiate constitutional amendments to proceed with drafting a new constitution without further constitutional obstacles. This approval would serve as social and political capital, providing momentum for all involved to move forward with strong public support.
"Conversely, if the referendum fails, meaning the majority reject drafting a new constitution, it would conclude that the public does not want a new constitution. Consequently, the 2017 constitution may remain in place indefinitely, since it is unclear when another referendum could be held," Chaturon said.
Chaturon also outlined the steps after Parliament votes and is dissolved: the Deputy Speaker of Parliament, who is also the Senate President, will send a letter to the Cabinet. The Cabinet must approve the Parliament’s request before forwarding it to the Election Commission to arrange the referendum on the same day as the election. He noted that this approach saves budget and encourages high voter turnout, but the downside is that citizens might focus more on party election platforms. Therefore, efforts must be made to make the referendum a shared social priority.
Chaturon said that for these reasons, the Election Commission must act immediately. Once the law permits free campaigning, the Commission should quickly set clear and fair rules and methods for parties to conduct their campaigns, ensuring the process proceeds transparently and justly.
Under the current referendum law, whether for or against, citizens, political parties, private organizations, and all social groups can campaign freely, allowing an open and fair campaign environment. He proposed that political parties formulate referendum campaign policies alongside their election campaigns.
Finally, political parties supporting the new constitution—meaning advancing amendments to Article 256 and drafting a new constitution—must seriously cooperate and expand collaboration to private sectors, civil society, and organizations to secure public approval in this referendum.