The National Legislative Assembly (NLA) on Friday approved an amendment of the interim charter to allow changes to the new constitution regarding the Majesty the King's authority.
The amendment was passed in three readings, with 228 members voting for it and three members abstaining. The sitting lasted less than three hours.
It allows a group of experts to amend the provision in the new charter allowing the Privy Council president to automatically serve as regent pro tempore in the event of the monarch being indisposed or otherwise unavailable.
The appointment of the regent will depend on the King's judgement after the change is made.
Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwon, Deputy Prime Minister Wissanu Krea-ngam and Justice Minister Suwaphan Tanyuvardhna represented the government and National Council for Peace and Order in explaining the need for the change to NLA members.
The government and National Council for Peace and Order advised the NLA of the need to amend the charter after the Office of His Majesty's Principal Private Secretary sent a letter about the King's observations to the government.
A 10-member special committee led by Consitution Drafting chairman Meechai Ruchupan will be formed to amend the new constitution.
The constitution was apporved by public referendum last year but has not yet endorsed by His Majesty. The last day for royal endorsement is Feb 6.