Senator Noraset questioned the government on constitutional amendments. Pradorn explained that Bhumjaithai is preparing to hold a party meeting on 19 May to move forward with submitting a new set of amendment proposals to parliament but expressed skepticism about setting a timeline for constitutional amendments.
At 10:00 AM on 18 May 2026, Mr. Mongkol Surasajja, President of the Senate, presided over the session reviewing parliamentary questions. Senator Noraset Prachakorn asked the Prime Minister about constitutional amendments. In the Senate meeting, he noted that 21 million people voted to amend the constitution, yet there has been little clarity from the government on how it intends to proceed. He said it is the government's responsibility to push this forward. The government often claims that constitutional amendments are not as urgent as economic issues, but the public does not want amendments to be the first priority; rather, they want clarity on the amendment process. Constitutional reform can go hand in hand with solving economic problems. He asked when the government plans to submit amendment proposals to parliament and when a referendum on the second question will be held.
On the other hand, Mr. Pradorn Prisanantakul, Minister attached to the Prime Minister's Office, explained on behalf of the Prime Minister that pushing for constitutional amendments by adding Chapter 15/1 is not directly the government's power but is a matter for the legislature. The authority to propose constitutional amendments lies with parliament. The Bhumjaithai Party is ready to follow the 21 million voters' mandate by submitting an amendment to Chapter 15/1. On 19 May 2026, the party will hold a meeting to approve the amendment and gather members of the House of Representatives to submit it to parliament to proceed with constitutional amendments.
Mr. Pradorn continued, saying the government cannot set a timeline for parliament because it is uncertain whether the first reading will pass or how long the committee process will take. However, the government will proceed with all processes within its power and expedite what it can. For example, the government will accelerate the referendum process as much as possible and support constitutional amendments. Regarding public participation, it is not only about voting in elections but also about providing opportunities for people to express their opinions for more than just 3 seconds in the voting booth. However, what can be done must comply with the Constitutional Court's rulings, as the court does not allow the public to directly elect members of the constitutional drafting assembly. He affirmed that the government will use all mechanisms requested by parliament to maximize public participation at every level, aiming for a new constitution truly owned by the people. . ."
