Constitutional Showdown – New Constitution Timeline for Pheu Thai and Senate
Thailand's government aims to adopt a new constitution by mid-2029, replacing the 2017 coup-era charter through a multi-year drafting process requiring parliamentary and public approval. Rival constitutional proposals from the ruling Bhumja
A new constitution is expected to take effect in mid-2572 (2029), replacing the 2560 (2017) version drafted by the coup council. This represents the timeline of various phases that will occur in drafting the new constitution. Nikorn Chamnong, a Bhumjaithai Party MP and charter co-drafter serving as a core government leader, has provided a brief overview. As known, amending and drafting a new constitution requires restarting the parliamentary process, with consideration by both the House of Representatives and Senate. Currently, Bhumjaithai is the first party to submit a draft to the parliamentary speaker. Nikorn indicated that if parliament convenes to consider it in June 2569 and the first reading passes, moving through the committee stage as the second reading and approving the third reading, it would reach October 2569. Parliament would then send the draft to the government and Election Commission for a second referendum, anticipated around January-February 2570. If voters approve, the draft would be presented to the throne for enforcement. The new constitution drafting process would begin August 2570 through August 2571 for selecting Charter Drafting Assembly members. Once selected, a 45-member committee would be established to draft, including public consultations, with the new constitution draft expected completed by September 2571 before a third referendum around February 2572. If approved, the draft would be presented to the throne for proclamation and enforcement in April-May 2572. This overview represents Bhumjaithai's draft already submitted to parliament. Regarding the Pheu Thai Party's movements—the opposition core leader—they have clearly announced they will submit a competing draft, along with raising concerns about whether Bhumjaithai's version locks in specifications and refuses to reduce Senate power. The Senate issue is particularly contentious, as Pheu Thai's party leader is facing fierce pushback from senators. There are concerns that if the Pheu Thai draft enters parliament for first reading approval, which requires Senate votes representing one-third, it could unexpectedly be voted down in the first reading.
