The coalition partners in the Pheu Thai-led government on Friday afternoon issued a statement supporting the proposal for a national referendum on constitutional amendment.
The four political parties met at SC Park hotel in Bangkok.
A statement of support for a referendum was read out after the meeting by Interior Minister and Pheu Thai leader Charupong Ruangsuwan.
The statement said the coalition partners back the proposal by Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra that a charter changes referendum should be held before a vote is called on the third reading of the constitutional amendment bill.
Representatives of the coalition partners join a working lunch at SC Park and later announce their support on a referendum on charter change. (Photo by Apichit Jinakul)
In order to minimise political conflict, as recommended by the joint working panel of the coalition partners, the government should hold a referendum on charter change to ask people whether the current 2007 constitution should be rewritten to make it "more democratic and just" through the setting up of a charter writing assembly.
The statement said there would be no change in the articles stipulating the high institution or the form of democratic governing system.
The government should support and cooperate with all political parties, educational institutions, democratic organisations and people’s groups in providing information on the need for charter change to general public to create a better understanding on the issue among the people, it said.
A national referendum would prevent any argument or objection to the process, and would serves as a compromise way out for Thai society, it said.
The statement said whatever the outcome of the referendum , it must be accepted as a final solution by all sides. In addition, all parties must accept the fact that the parliament has the authority to alter any articles of the charter deemed to be unsuitable, undemocratic or against the principle of law.
Representatives of the coalition partners attenting the meeting included Mr Charupong, Chartthaipattana leader Chumpol Silpa-archa, Prasert Bunchaisuk of the Chartpattana Party, and Sansak Ngampichet of Phalang Chon Party.