Bangkok: Mr. Bowornsak Uwanno, along with Ms. Natthajaree Anantsilp, Secretary-General of the Cabinet, and Mr. Pakorn Nilpraphan, Secretary-General of the Council of State, engaged in discussions with the Election Commission, led by Mr. Narong Klanwarin, to deliberate on the duties of the caretaker cabinet post the royal decree dissolving parliament. The meeting focused on approving the second phase of the “Half-Price Scheme,” organizing cabinet meetings outside Bangkok that necessitate budget allocation and EC approval, and determining the appropriate timeframe for elections.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Bowornsak addressed the issue of the election date, which had been tentatively suggested as Sunday, February 8, 2026, emphasizing that it was a matter for the Election Commission. He clarified that any personal statements on the date held no sway. Regarding the possibility of conducting a referendum alongside the election, he noted that it too would require consultation with the EC and that the government could not unilaterally decide on such matters. The need for discussions with the EC and a review of relevant laws was underscored.
Mr. Bowornsak refrained from detailing the differences between questions the Cabinet might propose independently and those suggested by Parliament through the Cabinet, indicating that these topics would likely be addressed at the upcoming Cabinet meeting. On the feasibility of holding a referendum concurrently with the election, he expressed personal optimism but stressed the need for EC discussions.
He also highlighted that discussions with the Election Commission would cover the second phase of the co-payment scheme, a project long mentioned by the government and discussed by the Economic Policy Committee.
Addressing concerns that approving the project might be perceived as pre-election campaigning, Mr. Bowornsak deferred such inquiries to the Election Commission. He explained that the project had been conceptualized well in advance as a policy, with a planned Phase 2, necessitating EC consultation. He affirmed that if the Commission deemed it infeasible, the government would not proceed, questioning the rationale behind forcing an unviable initiative.