Abhisit Says Next Week Will Bring Resolution on Constitutional Amendment Draft, Notes Pheu Thai's Approach Differs on Public Participation

On May 22, 2025, at the Democratic Party headquarters, Abhisit Vejjajiva, a party-list MP and Democratic Party leader, discussed the submission of a constitutional amendment draft. He explained that the Democratic Party lacks sufficient MPs to submit its own draft alone, so it has consulted with other political parties facing the same challenge. The parties are currently aligned on two core principles: first, creating a process that ensures genuine public participation in the charter drafting assembly (CDA), which differs from Pheu Thai's approach; and second, not amending Chapters 1 and 2, which would differ from the People's Party draft.

Abbisit stated that beyond these points, the parties have differing views on the CDA selection process and constitutional approval procedures, with varying details among each party in current discussions. However, he believes a resolution will be reached next week and a draft can be submitted. Each party will present its own proposal and agreement is expected within the week.

On Pheu Thai's draft, Abbisit noted it clearly differs regarding public participation procedures, involving only registration without broader participatory mechanisms. The CDA selection process would also face problems in balancing main principles, proportionality, and provincial considerations.

When asked about Pheu Thai's draft being submitted in the party's name rather than through the Cabinet as typically required for major legislation, Abbisit said it's not necessary and depends on whether the government takes a position. The government clearly didn't include this in its policy from the start, so he's unsurprised there's no Cabinet draft—the government simply doesn't intend to pursue this matter, leaving it to political parties.

Regarding whether parties will submit one draft or multiple separate ones, Abbisit said it depends on whether differences can be reconciled. If so, one draft would be submitted; if not, they may submit separate drafts with mutual endorsements to ensure all proposals are presented. Submission is expected next week.

On whether public participation requires citizens to directly elect CDA members, potentially conflicting with a Constitutional Court ruling, Abbisit proposed using electronic polling to allow people to express views on CDA candidates through a digital system. This would ensure broad participation while saving costs compared to traditional elections. For those without phones, citizens could register in their own subdistrict to vote. Importantly, this would be polling, not election, so the resulting names wouldn't be final—the assembly would still make the ultimate selection.