Tawi Calls for Constitutional Reform, Recommends Dismantling Authoritarian Laws That Bind Citizens Hand and Foot

Tawi Sudsakorn, list MP and Thai Rak Thai Party leader, stresses that constitutional reform is a legislative agenda item, not just talk, and recommends repealing authoritarian laws that function as chains restraining the public.

On May 15, 2026, during the first joint parliamentary session chaired by Sopon Sawarom, Tawi spoke during urgent matters debate regarding approval of draft bills pending parliamentary consideration under Section 147, Paragraph 2 of the Constitution. He argued that while the number of laws matters, maintaining justice principles is paramount. Thailand currently has approximately 15,000 laws, regulations, and royal decrees—far too many. These laws often function as restrictive chains, with many exhibiting authoritarian characteristics. Beyond repealing laws, Tawi emphasized that as chairman of a legislative committee, he thanked the government for approving two bills: the Bankruptcy Act, which modernizes personal and business rehabilitation (unchanged for 100 years of civil law), and the Check Bill.

Tawi noted that debt has become a structural hardship affecting over 25 million households nationwide, with approximately 18 million in enforcement cases and 7 million in collapse cases. The new bankruptcy law offers sustainable debt relief without requiring government budgets. He highlighted the need to balance creditor and debtor interests, expressing concern about creditor groups in the Senate opposing guarantor benefits despite civil law amendments. He also mentioned the Check Bill, which addresses United Nations citizens and political rights, stalled in parliament but disappeared in committee.

Tawi called for addressing land amnesty issues and requested parliament treat constitutional reform as a legislative priority rather than mere rhetoric, emphasizing the need to draft a new constitution.