Prisat Urges Cabinet to Confirm Constitutional Amendment Draft Section 15/1, Blasts 400 Billion Baht Loan Using Citizens as Collateral
People's Party MP Prisat Chiewsin urged the Cabinet to advance a constitutional amendment draft, arguing that a February referendum showed 21.6 million Thais support replacing the 2017 Constitution and criticizing a 400 billion baht emergen
On May 8, 2025, Prisat Chiewsin, a People's Party list MP and deputy party leader, posted on Facebook stating that if the Cabinet allows the original constitution to lapse without committing to a new charter, it demonstrates insincerity in following the people's referendum mandate. He argued that economic hardship and constitutional reform can be tackled in parallel, and criticized a 400 billion baht emergency loan decree that uses relief funds as collateral for questionable projects, saying it fails to genuinely prioritize people's welfare.
Regarding the February 8 referendum, Prisat noted that while 11.2 million people voted against a new constitution, 21.6 million voted in favor, reflecting clear societal consensus that the 2017 Constitution has severe flaws requiring complete replacement rather than mere amendments.
Over the past three months, Prisat highlighted growing evidence of constitutional problems: the Election Commission facing controversy over delayed reporting and ballot counting errors; the State Audit Office showing no accountability a year after a building collapse; Thailand's corruption transparency index hitting a 10-year low, embarrassing the Prime Minister; the National Anti-Corruption Commission clearing former Transport Minister Sakthisiam Chidchob despite evidence of stock manipulation; over 130 senators accused of collusion potentially being whitewashed; and former Senate Speaker Wan Muhamad Nor Matha abusing his power to block opposition MPs' complaints to the NACC regarding leaked clips involving NACC officials.
Since the referendum clearly shows people want a new constitution with binding force, Prisat emphasized the next step is pushing the Section 15/1 constitutional amendment draft through three parliamentary readings. He said the Cabinet has two options: either pass a resolution by May 14 confirming both the Bhumjaithai and People's Party drafts that already passed the first reading, allowing them to proceed, or face questions about its sincerity in respecting the people's mandate.
