Peerapan slammed the government party for claiming to protect Sections 1-2 while allowing a referendum question that effectively tears up the constitution and impacts the institutions. He urged political parties to stop hedging and reaffirmed Ruam Thai Sang Chart Party's clear opposition.
19 Jan 2026 GMT+7 Mr. Peerapan Sareerathwipak, leader of the Ruam Thai Sang Chart Party and prime ministerial candidate, commented on the government party's cabinet resolution proposing a referendum question asking, “Do you agree that there should be a new constitution?” without specifying how or what the new constitution would entail. He described this as a question misleading the public into tearing up the constitution. He added that this also opens the door to problems affecting the nation’s core institutions. Although initially unrelated to the content, the government could have indicated the framework for drafting the new constitution. Not providing any details is like giving a blank check, which is inappropriate.
“The government party declared it would not amend Sections 1-2 but is holding a referendum to scrap the entire constitution, which is completely contradictory.”
Additionally, Peerapan expressed disappointment in the indecisive stance of various political parties, stating political parties should clearly state whether they “agree” or “disagree” with the current constitution. It’s not enough to claim they won’t amend Sections 1-2 while many party leaders and candidates campaign in favor of adopting a new constitution.
“Political parties should stop hedging because it’s widely known that this referendum seeks approval to create a new constitution without any conditions, effectively tearing up the 2017 constitution to allow a new one. But Ruam Thai Sang Chart Party firmly asserts its clear intention: the constitution can be amended, but not scrapped and replaced.”