Paradorn Pledges Support for Pheu Thai's Constitutional Amendment Draft, Dodges Timeline Questions Pending First Reading

On May 25, 2025, at Government House, Deputy Prime Minister's Office Minister Paradorn Prissananantkul spoke about the constitutional amendment timeline and second referendum raised by Nikorn Chamnong, a Bhumjaithai Party list MP. Paradorn stated that it remains unclear and impossible to predict how the first reading consideration will proceed. Currently only Bhumjaithai's draft has been submitted, but it's unknown how many other constitutional amendment drafts will be submitted and whether the Pheu Thai Party will submit combined signatures as well. Therefore, setting a timeline would be difficult—it's entirely parliament's matter.

When asked about Natthapon Ruengpanyawat, Pheu Thai Party leader and list MP, who stated that Bhumjaithai's constitutional amendment draft doesn't meet Pheu Thai's three conditions, Paradorn said he hasn't yet seen what Pheu Thai's draft looks like. However, Bhumjaithai's draft was presented first for public scrutiny, though it's not a final draft. A committee must be established to discuss and produce a committee draft before moving to second reading consideration. There are still many procedural steps, but today the party has clearly demonstrated its sincere intention to amend the constitution.

When a reporter asked whether negotiations with the opposition could secure 20 percent opposition support in the third reading, Paradorn said that's too far ahead and suggested waiting to see how the first reading debate proceeds and how much discussion occurs in committee, and whether people concede or hold firm on positions. If everyone agrees in committee, there would be no problem.

When asked if all sides must compromise, Paradorn stated that making a constitution is a public law matter requiring unanimous consent. The constitution clearly stipulates the conditions needed for a draft to pass, so any amendment must proceed with all parties' approval.

Regarding whether he has spoken with Pheu Thai about supporting their draft, Paradorn said he had an informal discussion with Chusak Sirinil, Pheu Thai deputy party leader, because Pheu Thai's 71 MPs are insufficient to propose a constitutional amendment draft alone. The government coalition parties, particularly Bhumjaithai, are ready to support. It depends on what kind of draft Pheu Thai proposes.

When asked if the budget for the second referendum is sufficient, Paradorn said that whenever the law requires the government to act—and the Prime Minister always emphasizes the government is prepared to take all necessary measures to fulfill the intent of 26.7 million voters from the referendum results—the government will use all resources to support it. It's the government's responsibility to comply with the law.