The Thai House of Representatives voted unanimously today (Thursday) to propose that the cabinet holds a referendum, to gauge the opinions of the Thai people about the drafting of a new Constitution.
A motion seeking a referendum was jointly proposed by Pheu Thai Party deputy leader Julapun Amornvivat and Move Forward MP for Bangkok Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut on September 15th.
It was debated in the House, but no decision was made because the House meeting was adjourned due to the lack of a quorum. The issue was revived today for a vote.
323 MPs voted in support of the motion for a referendum,with one abstention. The motion will now be forwarded to the Senate for consideration.
According to a Constitutional Court ruling, a referendum is mandatory before the drafting of a new Constitution.
The approval of the referendum motion by the Senate will open the door for the drafting of a new charter by the opposition parties, particularly the Move Forward Party,which wants to make sweeping changes to the current Constitution.
