Parit fears that the 8 February referendum may close the door on constitutional reform if the public does not approve it. He criticized vague accusations that they refuse to amend sections, pointing out that the public submitted over 30 draft bills to parliament but only one was passed due to the Senate's votes. Chaturon strongly criticized the 8-year record, saying the constitution facilitates corruption rather than combats it. He added there is no need to ask Pheu Thai’s stance since they have already submitted it as a policy to the Election Commission (EC). The tags are [constitutional reform, referendum, Parit Wacharasindhu, Chaturon Chaisang, Pheu Thai Party, Senate, corruption].
On 4 February 2026 at Bangkok Art and Culture Centre during a campaign event for the referendum vote, Parit Wacharasindhu, spokesperson for the Prachachon Party, spoke on stage, saying he joined the event organized by civil society in two capacities: first, as a representative of the Prachachon Party to reaffirm the party’s support and encourage citizens to vote in favor in the referendum.
His second capacity was as a Thai citizen affirming that the goal of having the country’s highest rules and a political system that is transparent, democratic, and trustworthy by the people is a mission greater than any political party. He compared it to a football match between Liverpool and Manchester United, where despite rivalry and occasional dislike, if the rules become unfair or lack transparency, they would unite firmly.
Regarding the need to draft a new constitution, he questioned that if the 2017 constitution is not amended, problems will persist such as the Office of the Auditor General being strict about receipts for teachers’ school supplies but lax and difficult to audit in its own building construction. He mentioned the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC), raising public doubts about its transparency, citing cases like the watch-ring scandal and recent gold bribery. He noted MPs switching parties shortly after elections for personal gain without voters’ consent, the powerful appointed Senate deciding independent agency members through a non-elected system prone to collusion, and the Election Commission working against public views and being irremovable. He concluded many problems can only be resolved by amending the constitution.
He criticized vague accusations of refusing to amend sections and noted that the Prachachon Party has submitted over 30 draft bills.
Parit further said that instead of vague accusations about which sections to amend, the party has submitted nearly 20 draft bills for section-by-section amendments in parliament. Arranged together, these drafts suggest the desired appearance of a new constitution. However, details have not been fully disclosed because if a new constitution is truly pursued, it will be designed by all citizens nationwide.
When asked why, knowing the problems and what to amend, they do not amend sections but opt for a new draft, he responded that section-by-section amendments have been attempted nearly 30 times alongside efforts to draft a new constitution. He expressed no objection and supported this. Only one draft passed, blocked by the condition requiring one-third of the Senate’s approval. If amendments continue section-by-section, the unelected Senate holds the decisive power. But if a new constitution is drafted without the one-third Senate condition, the people will decide through a referendum.
“The referendum on 8 February is extremely important with the country’s future at stake. If we win together, we will open the first door to drafting a new constitution. But if we lose, the risk is that defeat will last a long time. If we lose, can we amend sections? Honestly, if this round fails, it is highly likely that all doors to constitutional amendment will be closed. If the majority reject the new draft, I believe some in parliament will interpret that as the people liking the 2017 constitution and refusing any amendments,” Parit said.
Parit added that if we all want to break free from a political system that fails the people—a product of the 2017 constitution—on 8 February, we must win decisively. We need enough public support to stand firm against those in parliament and other authorities who oppose constitutional reform. The decisive win will show that supporters of reform and a new constitution are not limited to any single political party’s base, but rather represent a new consensus among all Thai citizens across political spectra. Therefore, on 8 February, vote in favor.
“Chaturon” strongly criticizes the 8-year record, saying the constitution facilitates corruption more than fighting it.
Chaturon Chaisang, chairman of the political science committee of the Pheu Thai Party and chairman of the campaign for the people's referendum and constitution, spoke at the final rally “Last March, People’s Ultimate Move,” organized by iLaw and civil society to encourage people to vote in favor of the people's constitutional reform referendum.
Chaturon said that Pheu Thai has long recognized the problems of this constitution. They campaigned for its approval in 2019, but that referendum was not free or fair and did not allow dissenting views. Politicians opposing it could not express opinions, resulting in the people's rights being cheated and a problematic constitution.
“After eight years, it is even clearer that this constitution is deeply problematic. It strips citizens’ rights and freedoms, placing them under duties. This limits rights in education, public health, and environmental protection. Though called an anti-corruption constitution, in eight years Thailand’s anti-corruption efforts have deteriorated. International indicators show corruption prevention has worsened because key agencies are independent organizations lacking independence. They are under the control of the NCPO (National Council for Peace and Order) and its government, appointed by the Senate—first by the NCPO and later by the Senate, which the public suspects is a collusive appointment,” Chaturon said.
Chaturon continued that independent organizations have never been truly independent, only independent from the public. With corruption and its oversight problematic, citizens pay taxes totaling three trillion baht annually. This so-called anti-corruption constitution actually facilitates corruption, which is a major reason why reform is necessary.
Moreover, this constitution perpetuates NCPO’s power through the 20-year national strategy and country reform plans. These prevent any ruling party from implementing optimal policies to adapt to global volatility, hindering Thailand’s growth and allowing other countries to surpass it. As long as the national strategy remains, Thailand will lag behind. Constitutional reform is thus essential to enable the country to adapt for the benefit of all citizens, especially the youth, who should not be stuck with outdated rules that hold the country back and jeopardize their future.
No need to ask Pheu Thai’s stance because it has been proposed as policy to the EC.
Chaturon stated that section-by-section amendments take too long and waste resources, and won’t pass because one-third of the Senate disagrees. Therefore, they propose drafting a new constitution most connected to the people to counter claims that the reform serves politicians’ interests. They have always proposed that a new constitution be drafted by a constitution-drafting assembly elected by the people.
Pheu Thai has a policy promoting the drafting of a new constitution and campaigns for public approval in the referendum. This policy has been officially submitted to the Election Commission in the current election. Therefore, there is no question or problem about Pheu Thai’s stance or policy.
