Thailand nears referendum compromise with one and a half layer proposal

A potential compromise is emerging between Thailand’s House of Representatives and the Senate regarding the criteria for a referendum to amend the constitution. Discussions gained momentum yesterday following a meeting of the joint House-Senate committee tasked with reviewing the charter referendum bill.

The House advocated for a simple majority of participating voters to approve the government’s constitutional rewrite plan. Conversely, the Senate supports a stricter double majority requirement, necessitating that at least 50% of registered voters participate, with 50% of those votes needed for approval.

Nikorn Chamnong, acting as the secretary to the joint committee and chief strategist of the Chartthaipattana Party, introduced a compromise termed the one and a half layer majority. This proposal seeks a middle ground between the simple and double majority preferences.

Members on both sides of the committee, although firm on their stances, seemed open to considering this new proposal. The idea suggests that more than half of eligible voters must participate, with a majority of those votes needed to pass the referendum.

No consensus was achieved on this halfway majority proposal yesterday, November 7. However, Nikorn suggested conducting the referendum by post to reduce costs, estimated at 3 billion baht (US$88 million).

The committee plans to invite Thailand Post and the Election Commission to discuss this postal voting approach on November 20. Nikorn noted that postal voting could enhance participation due to its convenience.

“I think the double majority requirement is just too much and now that the halfway option has been proposed, the Senate side in particular appeared open to it.”

Senator Phisit Aphiwatthanaphong, a committee member, expressed interest in the postal vote proposal.

“If Thailand Post says it’s ready to facilitate a postal referendum, it will be possible for us to agree to the referendum majority that might be less than the double majority. It could be the proposed halfway option.”

Thanakorn Wangboonkongchana, deputy leader of the United Thai Nation Party, voiced his support for both the halfway option and postal voting. Meanwhile, Chousak Sirinil, the Prime Minister’s Office Minister and Pheu Thai Party’s legal expert, reaffirmed his party’s support for the Lower House’s simple majority preference, reported Bangkok Post.