Chaturat Calls for 'Approval' of Constitution Amendment, Argues 8 Years Have Only Enabled More Corruption

On February 4, 2026, at Bangkok Art and Culture Centre, Chaturat Chayasang, Chairman of the Pheu Thai Party's Political Science Committee, delivered a speech at the final rally organized by iLaw and civil society groups, urging citizens to approve the people's constitutional referendum. Chaturat stated that the Pheu Thai Party has long recognized the problems with this constitution. They attempted to campaign for its approval in 2562 (2019), but the referendum was conducted without freedom, impartiality, or opportunity for dissenting voices. Politicians who disagreed were unable to express their views, effectively robbing citizens of their rights and resulting in a problematic constitution. 'After 8 years, it's increasingly clear this constitution is deeply problematic,' Chaturat said. 'It curtails people's rights, reducing citizens' freedoms in areas like education, public health, and environmental protection.' He argued that while the constitution was claimed to combat corruption, Thailand's anti-corruption efforts have actually deteriorated, with international indices showing the country's ranking worsening. Chaturat emphasized that the constitution perpetuates the NCPO's power through mechanisms like the 20-year national strategy, preventing any government from implementing optimal policies or allowing Thailand to adapt to global changes. He concluded by proposing a completely new constitution drafted with maximum public involvement, aimed at creating a more democratic and forward-looking framework for the country's future.