Press "Enter" to skip to content

Anutin Charnvirakul: Navigating Thailand’s Political Maze with the Constitutional Referendum Bill

Order Cannabis Online Order Cannabis Online

Deputy Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul at Government House If you happened to stroll by Government House on September 24th, you might have caught a glimpse of Deputy Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul making his way to another cabinet meeting. This isn’t just another day at the office for the charismatic leader of the Bhumjaithai Party, known for his astute political maneuvers and knack for keeping things interesting in Thai politics.

One might say that the latest parliamentary scramble feels like a crafting session of an intricate jigsaw puzzle—where only the boldest piece fits. The latest puzzle? The constitutional referendum bill, which has the political corridors buzzing with debates as loud as a Bangkok street market.

On a particularly charged Wednesday, the House of Representatives gave a booming shout (348 voices strong, no less) to collectively push aside the Senate’s amendments, rejecting a status quo the Upper House held dear—the double-majority clause. Sixty-five members, sporting the color abstain, opted for diplomacy over dissent, adding yet another shade to this political tapestry.

This bill wasn’t just any old parchment. Originally, the House introduced a simple majority requirement—a flicker of ease that could light the path for referendums to pass. However, the Senate, ever the guardian of intricate procedures, deemed it necessary to dust off the double-majority requirement—sort of like a throwback to vintage politics. Under this regime, a valid referendum demanded not just popularity, but participation—half of all eligible voters needed to pen their voice with a mark of approval.

Enter stage left, Anutin Charnvirakul and his Bhumjaithai Party, standing on the sidelines with a magnifying glass in hand. Amid whispers of defiance, they stood firm in abstention not as a sign of rebellion, but as an ode to thorough scrutiny. “A referendum must carry the weight of credibility, ensuring that the trust woven into every vote remains unbroken,” Anutin proclaimed, as he further unveiled the layers of intention behind their methodical approach.

With the clock ticking towards a new dawn, the ruling Pheu Thai Party and the contending People’s Party sounded a clarion call to rally behind a simple majority—arguing that playing by archaic rules might just bottle the country’s progress like an unopened bottle of their finest brew.

Now, as happens in all great dramas, the plot thickens. A special committee—an MP-Senator coalition—is being crafted to untangle the knots knitted by divergent perspectives. On October 15, we await with bated breath as the Senate reveals its chosen voices, ready to dance this committee tango.

But don’t write this off as just another parliamentary brawl. It’s a lesson in political choreography, one that People’s Party MP, Parit Wacharasindhu suggests might be sending the wrong footwork notes. A no-show to sink a referendum? He worries that the double-majority waltzes dangerously close to incentivizing ‘stay-at-home’ voters, creating a sneaky backdoor to failure for initiatives that ought to stand on their own two feet.

Yet, not all see shadows in the Senate’s structure. To Bhumjaithai’s Mallika Jirapan, the Senate’s preferences dance closely with her party’s rhythm. How interesting then, that the upper chamber’s new faces have a distinctly blue hue—painted by the success of Bhumjaithai, echoing from the stronghold of Buri Ram to many corners brightened by their Lower House light.

And so we watch, the political stage set with varied players—200 senators playing to a tune often dictated by Bhumjaithai’s notes. In this grand symphony of democracy, the melody of the double-majority plays on, even as whispers of new charters echo within Pheu Thai halls. Anutin and his troupes remain pivotal in a story that seems far from its finale.

Stay tuned for the next act in Thailand’s political saga—who knows what new characters might step from the wings as this ever-unfolding drama captivates the nation.

32 Comments

  1. Joe October 10, 2024

    I think Anutin Charnvirakul is really just playing it safe. Abstaining doesn’t solve anything.

    • Linda M October 10, 2024

      Abstaining might be a tactical move. Keeps him out of direct conflict with the Senate.

      • grower134 October 10, 2024

        Exactly, they’re just hedging their bets. Playing both sides.

    • Ben S October 10, 2024

      In politics, not making a decision is often a decision in itself.

  2. Larry D October 10, 2024

    The double-majority is such a ridiculous requirement in our modern world. Progress is being stifled by old rules.

    • Hanna_Banana October 10, 2024

      I disagree. It’s there to ensure broad support across the whole nation, not just in the larger cities.

      • Joey October 10, 2024

        It’s a safeguard for minority opinions. Broad support is essential in a democracy.

    • Tina October 10, 2024

      But aren’t we just using it to avoid making tough decisions? Change is necessary sometimes.

  3. SammyG October 10, 2024

    Bhumjaithai is dominating the narrative lately, and it worries me. Too much power in one party’s hands isn’t healthy.

  4. EmilyJ October 10, 2024

    Not every decision needs to be made with a simple majority. Complex issues might require more consensus.

    • User123 October 10, 2024

      True, but holding back change just because it’s hard doesn’t seem right either.

      • Tom R October 10, 2024

        Compromise isn’t a lack of resolution; it’s finding a path everyone can walk.

  5. Sara L October 10, 2024

    Nice to see the Senate’s pushback. It’s not all about the ruling party’s whims, after all.

    • Greg T October 10, 2024

      Does it feel like they’re just being obstructionist at this point to you?

    • Sara L October 10, 2024

      Maybe, but checks and balances are crucial, even if it annoys the progressives.

  6. Steven P October 10, 2024

    Abstaining is just indecision in disguise. Should have picked a side.

  7. Sophie K October 10, 2024

    Anutin’s strategy might keep him in good standing for the next election. Playing the long game.

    • grower134 October 10, 2024

      But at what cost? Sometimes you have to stand for something now.

  8. Alex October 10, 2024

    Parit’s concerns are valid. The double-majority can really act as a deterrent for change.

    • Larry Davis October 10, 2024

      Agreed. Political stagnation can’t help anyone, especially not the younger generation.

  9. Nathan October 10, 2024

    It seems like Anutin knows how to play the field well. Can’t say I blame him for his tactics.

    • EmilyJ October 10, 2024

      But sacrificing immediate action for long-term strategy isn’t always the best choice.

    • Nathan October 10, 2024

      Fair, but he’s maintaining options rather than locking himself in a corner.

  10. Jessica89 October 10, 2024

    The political landscape is changing rapidly. Will these older systems ever catch up?

    • Linda M October 10, 2024

      Only if the people push for it. We need more engagement from the younger crowd.

  11. Tom R October 10, 2024

    Can this referendum bill really make a difference, or is it just more political theater?

  12. Harry October 10, 2024

    It’s as if everyone’s forgotten that the people should have the final say. Enough with political games.

  13. Parit Fan October 10, 2024

    Parit’s not wrong. These outdated rules can hold back necessary reforms.

  14. Cathy P October 10, 2024

    As much as Anutin stays neutral, he probably has his own agenda. Everyone does in politics.

  15. FriendlyFire October 10, 2024

    Seems like every party has an agenda. Wish they focused more on what the people need.

  16. Elena H October 10, 2024

    It’s just part of their act to look like they care about people’s votes. Nothing really changes.

  17. Bhumjaithai abstains from House vote on referendum bill – Netvamo October 11, 2024

    […] Anutin Charnvirakul navigates Thailand’s political maze by abstaining from the constitutional referendum bill, ensuring thorough scrutiny and credibility, amidst debates over the double-majority clause and simple majority requirements. (read more) […]

  18. Order Cannabis Online Order Cannabis Online

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

More from ThailandMore posts in Thailand »