Bangkok: Deputy Prime Minister Bowornsak Uwanno has indicated that he is unable to respond to the Election Commission's inquiry regarding the referendum at this time, as the draft constitution remains incomplete. He affirmed the government's preparedness to facilitate the establishment of a forum to elucidate the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) to the public.
According to Thai News Agency, Bowornsak clarified the Election Commission's request for the government to submit referendum questions by January 13, 2026, in anticipation of a potential referendum on March 29. He reassured that there is still ample time, given that the draft constitution has not yet reached its final form, and therefore, questions cannot currently be formulated. He confirmed that the government intends to operate within the legal timeline, which mandates action 60 days prior to the referendum.
The Deputy Prime Minister also mentioned plans to invite experts familiar with the 2000-2001 Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to participate in discussions with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Defense. The goal of these exchanges is to arrive at a well-informed conclusion that will serve the national interest. He stressed that the planned clarification forum will be conducted with full transparency by Parliament and all political parties, with the government offering robust support through public relations channels.
Moreover, Bowornsak acknowledged the Election Commission's ability to express its preferences but emphasized that the government cannot compel Parliament to approve the draft constitution. The process must reach completion before any referendum questions can be crafted. He highlighted the importance of ensuring that any eventual referendum questions are clear, comprehensible, and not harmful to the country's interests.