Thailand Parliament Election and Constitution Referendum Held by the People

Thailand has just held a parliamentary election that has garnered regional attention on February 8. Alongside the voting, a constitutional referendum was also conducted to determine whether the people give the parliament the mandate to initiate constitutional amendments. This dual event marks a crucial moment for the country’s stability and policy direction in the coming decade.

Structure of the Parliamentary Election and Political Competition in Thailand

The election held nationwide in Thailand involved 57 political parties competing for 500 seats in the lower house. Data from the Thai Election Commission shows that more than 90 figures have expressed their aspirations for the prime minister position. This competition reflects a complex political fragmentation, with various forces striving to form a solid governing coalition.

The voting process began at 8:00 AM local time and lasted until 5:00 PM, providing a broad time window for voters to exercise their right to vote.

Constitutional Referendum: The Big Decision Awaited by Thailand

Alongside the legislative election, the constitutional referendum initiated by the Thai Election Commission is also underway. The public will decide whether the new parliament has the authority to initiate a comprehensive constitutional amendment process. This decision is directly related to the constitution established by the military government in 2017, which has been controversial among various societal groups.

If the referendum supports it, the next parliament will have the freedom to undertake substantial constitutional reforms. Conversely, rejection will maintain the status quo and limit institutional reform space.

Schedule and Timeline for Thailand’s Political Process Completion

The Thai Election Commission has set a strict timeline for completing the entire process:

• April 9, 2026: Official vote count must be compiled and announced
• 15 days after the announcement: The newly elected parliament must hold its inaugural session to elect a speaker
• Next phase: The prime minister will be elected through voting in the lower house involving all legislative members

This timeline is designed to ensure a smooth transition of power and provide sufficient time for various factions to negotiate the formation of a governing coalition.