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Referendum 2024 and the Way to Constitutional Amendment

Seminar proceeding on key insights, debates, and challenges surrounding different proposals to amend the Referendum Act and their possible impacts

The public seminar on 14 June 2024, "Referendum 2024 and the Way to Constitutional Amendment," culminates in this proceeding. This bilingual publication summarizes expert insights from the keynote speaker and panelists on the debates surrounding the proposals to amend the Referendum Act, and how this amendment could influence the constitutional amendment efforts. The paper also provides an executive summary and a synthesis of policy recommendations that emerged during the event. The seminar was co-organized by the Institute of Democratization Studies and King Prajadhipok's Institute, and received support from KAS Thailand.

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Recommendations that emerged during the seminar

  • Change from double majority to single majority: To avoid dual-layer traps, especially the first layer requiring over half of eligible voters, which could be exploited by opponents abstaining.
  • Cost-effective and time-efficient referendum methods: Including electronic voting and scheduling referendums with elections.
  • Timely readiness of the new Referendum Act: To align with national or local elections, encouraging voter participation and saving time and resources.
  • Multiple choice questions in referendums: For more accurate public expression beyond simple yes/no questions.
  • Full campaigning opportunities for all viewpoints: Ensuring fair consideration and preventing one-sided campaigning.

The aim is to ensure referendums are fair, efficient, and truly reflective of the public's will, facilitating the development of a democratic constitution.

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Contact

Pii Arporniem

Pii Arporniem

Project Manager

Pii.Arporniem@kas.de +66 (0) 2 7141207-8

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