BANGKOK Thailand’s military-backed parliament voted overwhelmingly on Friday to make amendments to the constitution as suggested by the new king’s office, a move likely to delay a general election scheduled for the end of the year.
The military-backed constitution is a key part of the junta’s plans to hold an election to return Thailand to democratic rule following a 2014 coup.
The draft constitution was approved in a referendum last year and has been awaiting endorsement by King Maha Vajiralongkorn, who took the throne in December after the death of his father, King Bhumibol Adulyadej, who commanded immense respect from Thais during his 70-year reign.
Promulgation of the charter, which was forwarded to the palace for royal endorsement in November, was expected in early February.
Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha on Tuesday said that the office of King Vajiralongkorn had asked for several changes to clauses related to royal power in the draft constitution, a rare intervention by a sitting Thai monarch.
In order to make those changes, the National Legislative Assembly has to first amend the interim constitution.
Of 231 assembly members, 228 voted in favour of the changes on Friday with three members abstaining, according to a televised session of the vote.
The assembly also made changes that allowed the king to travel overseas without having to appoint a regent to rule in his stead.
King Vajiralongkorn travelled frequently while he was crown prince and has spent a significant amount of his adult life abroad, mostly in Germany where he has a home.
Somjet Boonthanom, a member of parliament, said it was likely that elections would now take place next year.
“The election will take place 15 months after the constitution is endorsed,” Somjet told Reuters.
The government must first make the requested amendments. The king then has 90 days to approve the amended charter, Somjet said.
“According to the steps, the election should happen early to mid-2018,” he said.
Both the junta and the Royal Household Bureau declined to comment on why the changes were requested by the king.
(Reporting by Bangkok Bureau; Editing by Amy Sawitta Lefevre and Nick Macfie)
