On March 17, 2025, the Thai Parliament convened for a special joint session, marking the sixth meeting of the second extraordinary session. During this session, chaired by Mr. Mongkol Surasajja, two urgent matters were brought to the forefront, both concerning proposed amendments to the Constitution.
The first item on the agenda involved requesting the Constitutional Court to interpret the authority of the Parliament per Article 210, paragraph (2) of the Constitution. This motion was proposed by Senator Poremsak Piyura. The second item, also urging interpretation of the same article, was suggested by Mr. Wisutthi Chaiyanarun, a member of the House of Representatives from the Pheu Thai Party.
Senator Poremsak emphasized the significance of the issues presented, particularly noting previous discussions on constitutional amendments held on February 13 and 14, 2025. He mentioned the Parliament had previously attempted to amend the Constitution, focusing on adding Section 15/1 to draft two new sections.
"Today, I desire for all parliamentarians to thoughtfully review this motion, as its outcome could greatly benefit the session," Senator Poremsak stated. He highlighted the Constitution of the Kingdom of Thailand, enacted in 2017, which encompasses 16 chapters and 279 articles aimed at benefitting the citizens.
Despite this good intention, he acknowledged the difficulty the amendment process could encounter, especially if it is not handled with transparency and respect for public scrutiny. He stressed the need for amendments to reflect the will of the people, quoting, "Democracy is like a train; it shouldn’t be driven like a bullet train, rushing to reach goals quickly, but rather as a regular train ensuring passengers arrive home safely." He added, "It is imperative to preserve the identity of this Constitution, which is often seen as the anti-corruption charter, emphasizing the rights of the people.Updates are necessary but must not violate chapters one and two, which involve longstanding social conflicts."
On the same day, the Parliament voted, and the majority, comprising 304 members, supported sending the constitutional amendment issue to the Constitutional Court for interpretation. Meanwhile, 150 members opposed it, 124 abstained, and 1 did not vote.
During the heated discussions, Mr. Suthin Khlangsaeng, also from the Pheu Thai Party, reiterated the need for clear and strategic thinking when amending the Constitution. He advised against impulsive decisions, stating, "The amendment to the Constitution requires wisdom and prudence; care must be taken to avoid pitfalls. Rushing can lead to failures, making it important to select our allies wisely."
Contrastingly, Mr. Wiroj Lakkhanaadisorn from the Move Forward Party expressed skepticism about the court's involvement, arguing instead for advancing the amendments without delay, underscoring the necessity for genuine reforms rather than superficial adjustments. This sentiment echoed the frustration among some party members about perceived foot-dragging on constitutional reform.
Overall, the session was indicative of the political tensions within Thailand as it grapples with its constitutional framework. The blend of the urgency for changes and respect for existing legal structures presents challenges, underscoring the delicate balance between legislative authority and judicial interpretation.
Senator Poremsak reminded members, "Even with our disagreements, we must respect the framework of our governance, akin to how we play sports; we must understand the rules before taking action." He urged fellow lawmakers to approach constitutional amendments with thoughtfulness and depth, highlighting the importance of public involvement and trust.
The outcome of this session could significantly shape Thailand's direction, as the government seeks to navigate its complex political terrain, ensuring the public's voice is heard in terms of proposed constitutional changes.
