Thailand delays decision to amend constitution, as protest held outside parliament

Thai lawmakers voted to set up a committee to study the process of the constitutional amendment first, angering over 1,000 demonstrators outside

Anti-government protesters have been calling for the removal of Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha and less power for the monarchy

Reading Time:2 minutes

Pro-democracy activist Panupong “Mike” Jadnok makes a three-finger salute to anti-government protesters after placing a sticker outside the closed main gate of Thailand's parliament as lawmakers held a debate inside. Photo: AFP

Published: 10:40pm, 24 Sep 2020Updated: 5:57pm, 15 Oct 2020

Thailand’s parliament voted on Thursday to delay making a decision on whether it will amend the constitution, as demanded by anti-government protesters who have demonstrated nearly every day for more than two months.

The parliament, dominated by supporters of the government, opted instead to set up a committee to study the process of the constitutional amendment first.

“The vote to accept a motion for constitutional changes is effectively delayed to November,” said pro-government lawmaker Chinnaworn Boonyakiat.

The decision angered opposition parliamentarians and protesters, more than 1,000 of whom had gathered outside the parliament to press their demands for constitutional change and for the removal of Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha, a former junta leader.

Anti-government protesters watch live video transmission of the parliament session during a pro-democracy rally outside Thailand's parliament in Bangkok. Photo: AFP

Protesters say the current constitution was drafted to ensure he kept power after elections last year, while Prayuth says the vote was fair.

Select Voice

Choose your listening speed

Get through articles 2x faster

1.25x

250 WPM

Slow

Average

Fast

00:0000:00

1.25x