A planned amendment to the interim charter will pave the way for a referendum on the new constitution, but won’t mandate one, Deputy Prime Minister Wissanu Krea-ngam said Wednesday.
"We will leave room in case people become satisfied (with the draft) and do not want a referendum," Mr Wissanu said. "That will allow us to step back. I cannot say if there will be a referendum after some changes (are made) to the constitutional draft."
The interim charter requires an amendment if a referendum on the new constitution is to be held, as it currently doesn't allow for one.
Meanwhile, the cabinet has prepared 80% of its suggested changes to the draft constitution and will submit them by May 25 as scheduled, Mr Wissanu said.
If there is the referendum, and the proposed constitution is rejected, there will be several options, he said.
The interim charter stipulates that if the draft is rejected, a new National Reform Council and Constitution Drafting Committee would be formed. Alternatively, the National Legislative Assembly or the cabinet could propose an old constitution be adopted, Mr Wissanu said.
The cabinet and the National Council for Peace and Order would have the final say on the matter, he said.
The cabinet and NCPO backed the referendum plan on Tuesday. The vote would delay the next general election from February to August or September.
