Prichardr Accuses Anutin of Insincerity on Constitutional Reform, Warns Against Public Sentiment, Demands Clear Roadmap
Pheu Thai deputy leader Prichardr accuses PM Anutin of failing to advance constitutional reform despite referendum results, demanding either approval of the pending draft or a clear roadmap for a new proposal. He warns the government's inac
On May 13, 2025 at 2:20 PM, Prichardr Wachrasindu, Pheu Thai party list MP and deputy party leader, criticized Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul for failing to advance constitutional reform. Anutin claimed that referendum results don't bind the original draft constitutional amendment pending in parliament, but Prichardr argued this demonstrates government insincerity. He contended that the PM and cabinet cannot escape responsibility since the referendum results are a binding public mandate on all institutions. Though parliament initiates constitutional amendments, the cabinet can endorse the existing draft or propose a new one for parliamentary consideration.
Prichardr noted the cabinet and ruling coalition aren't clearly separated, as Anutin heads Bhumjaithai, the largest party in parliament. The referendum itself resulted from a previous cabinet resolution barely different from the current one. He observed that the government faces two options: approve the pending draft amendment by Bhumjaithai and Pheu Thai, or if rejecting it, provide a clear roadmap with reasons and a timeline for a new proposal. Instead, Prichardr said the government does neither, reflecting insincerity.
He warned the PM to mind public sentiment and speculated whether Anutin and Bhumjaithai benefit from the 2017 Constitution's provisions—particularly the Senate selection mechanism—making them reluctant to reform it. Though referendums don't bind particular drafts, they mandate constitutional amendment by all institutions. Prichardr criticized the PM's inaction as the primary concern.
When asked about Nikhom Chamnong (Bhumjaithai list MP) suggesting economic problems take priority over constitutional reform, Prichardr countered that all national problems need simultaneous solutions. A capable government should handle multiple issues. Constitutional reform can proceed alongside economic fixes, he argued, since the current charter fails to prevent corruption, draining national resources. He also questioned how anyone knows this won't be a late-term government move, given uncertainty about government longevity.
Prichardr reiterated his observation that Anutin's apparent insincerity suggests the government benefits from the 2017 Constitution and thus resists change.
