Bangkok: Former Nakhon Si Thammarat MP, Thepthai Senpong, has issued a cautionary message to the government and the Election Commission (EC) concerning the proposed referendum on Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) 43 and 44, warning of potential political manipulation and misrepresentation of public opinion.
According to Thai News Agency, Thepthai shared his concerns on his Facebook page, “Thepthai – Political Talk,” emphasizing that the majority of the public lacks sufficient understanding of MOUs 43 and 44 to make informed decisions in a referendum. He argued that the complexity surrounding these agreements, coupled with ongoing tensions between Thailand and Cambodia, could skew referendum results and serve as a political tool during the upcoming general election scheduled for February 8, 2026.
Furthermore, Thepthai highlighted that the Election Commission has already set a detailed timeline for the upcoming election, with registration for constituency MPs occurring from December 27-31, 2025, and early voting slated for February 1, 2026. He raised concerns over the feasibility of holding a constitutional amendment referendum concurrently with the general election, given the legal stipulation of a 60-day period for such processes.
Thepthai also criticized the government’s push for the second phase of the co-payment scheme, which he believes could contravene existing laws that restrict the actions of a caretaker government post-dissolution of parliament. He urged the government to refrain from seeking approval from the EC, warning that such actions could unfairly influence political party campaigns.
In conclusion, Thepthai called on the government and the Election Commission to carefully consider these issues and refrain from proceeding with the proposed referendums and co-payment scheme approvals.