Bhumjaithai reiterates its position in favor of amending the constitution but insists the entire document must be amended except for Chapters 1 and 2. The party firmly states that it is time to revise the selection process of the Senate and independent agencies.
30 Jan 2026, the final stretch before the 2026 election. “One more debate with Thairath Election 69.” By Kai Pongsakem, the debate stage was reopened in the final sprint before the 2026 election, featuring three representatives from each political party: Mr. Phaopoom Rojanasakul, Deputy Leader of Pheu Thai Party; Mr. Siripong Angkasunkit, Deputy Leader of Bhumjaithai Party; and Dr. Weerayut Kanchuchat, Prime Minister candidate of the Prachachon Party, addressing the question: What is your party’s position on the referendum for drafting a new constitution scheduled for 8 Feb 2026?
When asked about the party’s position, Mr. Phaopoom Rojanasakul, Deputy Leader of Pheu Thai Party, said the party supports it, viewing the current constitution as problematic in its origin and content. Regarding origin, this constitution resulted from a coup, and the prior referendum cannot be clearly interpreted as public approval. As for content, the issue lies with the selection of the Senate, which is widely unaccepted and controversial. When the Senate’s origin is problematic, it affects the independent agencies.
There are also many other issues, including citizens’ rights and freedoms, decentralization, and allocation of benefits, leading Pheu Thai Party to support amending the constitution.
. Mr. Siripong Angkasunkit, Deputy Leader of Bhumjaithai Party, said he supports constitutional amendments. Bhumjaithai has never agreed with piecemeal amendments but supports a full rewrite by outsiders, except for Chapters 1 and 2. This has been their consistent stance. He believes independent agencies need reform.
He said it is time to make changes, such as to the Senate’s selection process, but hopes the changes will not revert to old patterns. They want to see a constitution that improves after amendment.
He views the Constitutional Court as needing to function as a real court, where daily shifts mean you cannot predict who will be on duty. He thinks independent agencies should be reformed with the selection of their members made as transparent as possible.
. Meanwhile, Dr. Weerayut Kanchuchat, Prachachon Party’s prime ministerial candidate,
said he sees the problem as political instability affecting the economy and society. This did not happen by accident but under the current constitution’s mechanisms, including the Senate. If we want smoother politics, the oversight system must improve. This is the first step toward amendments. There are two other issues: decentralization and rights, which are central to constitutional reform.