Government Coalition Explains Cabinet's Rejection of Constitutional Amendment Section 256 Draft; New Process Could Take Up to 2 Years

On May 6, 2025, at parliament, government coalition coordinator Raveewan Parisnanantakul from Phumi Jai Thai party confirmed that the cabinet decided to continue reviewing pending bills from the previous parliament session. According to procedure, these must be brought to parliament for approval as proposed by the cabinet, with meetings expected within the following week. The coalition's deputy leader, Nikorn Chamnong, explained that the cabinet's decision not to endorse the constitutional amendment Section 256 draft stems from the government's need to address more urgent issues first, particularly the energy crisis affecting the economy and public welfare. Prime Minister Anuthuwon Chaiyuweerakul previously noted that while drafting a new constitution following the referendum result is necessary, work priorities and government problems must be properly managed. Chamnong stated the government still has time and sufficient justification to address other critical issues affecting citizens' immediate needs. He noted that the constitutional amendment process requires two additional referendums and emphasized the need to discuss budget savings with the Election Commission, potentially reducing costs from 3.5 billion baht to 1 billion baht using postal voting methods under the revised referendum law. Once the cabinet rejects the content, constitutional amendment must restart with a fresh proposal of Section 256 amendments to parliament. Chamnong advocated for prior consultation with all parties, including the Senate, to ensure consensus, noting that public hearings during the previous government revealed differing opinions, particularly on Chapters 1 and 2 amendments. He believes the government has sufficient time since Section 256 amendment requires no more than 2 years.