Witthaya Kaewparadai Calls for Robust Referendum Amid Thailand’s Constitutional Debate

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In the bustling heart of Bangkok, where streets pulse with energy akin to the city’s unyielding spirit, democracy itself is under intense scrutiny. Within the hallowed chambers of Thailand’s political sphere, the discourse is not a mere whisper; it’s a full-blown discussion surrounding the potential shifts in constitutional amendments that could redefine the nation’s democratic framework.

Amid this intense political ballet, Witthaya Kaewparadai, a list-MP with the United Thai Nation party, has emerged as a voice of reason, advocating for what he dubs a “middle path.” As MPs and Senators passionately debate the threshold required to sanction a referendum for amending the constitution, Witthaya’s stance echoes sage counsel: if you’re going to call it a referendum, make sure it’s robust enough to warrant the name.

Witthaya, a participant in the joint House-Senate committee attempting to unfurl this legislative knot, underscores the necessity of having at least half of all eligible voters partake in such a crucial decision. “A referendum without substantial public engagement is no referendum at all,” he posits. Imagine, for instance, in a democratic playground of 42 million eligible voters, a mere 5 million showing up could hardly be seen as a valid exercise of public will. It’s a concern that doesn’t just linger in the political shadows; it looms over any colourable claim of a democratic mandate.

However, as is often the case in the ebb and flow of politics, concerns have arisen over the referendum question itself. Critics, particularly vocal pro-democracy activists, argue that the current wording narrows the scope of change too dramatically. By asking voters to greenlight changes excluding the vaunted Sections 1 and 2—which preserve the traditional monarchy-led democratic structure—the wording effectively ties the hands of those seeking broader reforms. This has raised fears that a sizeable section of the electorate, feeling caught in a Catch-22, might choose abstention over an ambiguous ‘No’ vote, thereby skewing participation figures and undermining the legitimacy of the outcome.

Against this backdrop, the Senate champions the double majority approach—requiring not just 50% voter participation but also 50% voter approval of the proposed question. The House, on the other hand, opts for a simpler route, contending that a simple majority should suffice, provided those who vote support it.

Bridging these divides is no mean feat, but Witthaya sees a glimmer of consensus in what has been dubbed the “one and a half” majority solution, a crafty compromise proposed by Nikorn Chamnong of the Chartthaipattana party. This method cleverly mixes the need for broad engagement with the reality of diverse voter expressions—acknowledging abstentions and spoil votes in the final calculus. Essentially, if over half the eligible population cast their votes, even if sections of the electorate choose to abstain or spoil their ballots, a simple majority of the active Yes and No votes can carry the day.

In this geopolitical puzzle, Witthaya notes that if the committee remains deadlocked, a democratic vote within their ranks may eventually decide the course forward. Thus, while the path remains fraught with complexity, the groundwork is being deftly laid to ensure that Thailand’s constitutional future isn’t left to the annals of apathy and confusion.

As the debate swirls and potential outcomes are dissected, what remains clear is the imperative to enshrine any constitutional change within the firmament of true democratic engagement. For only then can the Democracy Monument, which stands proudly against Bangkok’s vibrant skyline, genuinely reflect the participatory ideals it was meant to embody.