THAILAND – The Thai government announced a firm timetable on Wednesday that set the dissolution of the lower house by 31 January 2026 and scheduled national elections for 29 March 2026, while moving to hold a constitutional referendum on the same day.
Official timetable unveiled
Justice Minister Dr. Borwornsak Uwanno presented two possible schedules outlining how the transition would proceed, but both led to the same key dates: dissolution of the House of Representatives by 31 January and elections on 29 March. The government said it was acting to fulfil commitments set out in its memorandum of agreement with the People’s Party.
Borwornsak explained the two routes: one followed the current referendum law, the other relied on a new referendum bill that still needs royal assent. “In both cases the government will honour its promise from the Memorandum of Agreement with the People’s Party,” he said.
How the dates were derived
The interim government formally took office on 1 October 2025, and under the agreement the House was to be dissolved after four months in office — no later than 31 January 2026. Under existing rules, elections must be held within 60 days of dissolution, which placed the likely voting day on 29 March 2026.
Officials said holding the referendum on the same day as the parliamentary elections would avoid the expense of a separate national vote. The decision was expected to save an estimated 6 billion baht (about 150 million euros).
Constitution must pass before referendum
To keep the timeline on track, the draft constitution must be approved by Parliament in a third reading by 20 December 2025. That would leave roughly ten days for the parliamentary speaker, the prime minister and the Election Commission to set the referendum date and arrange logistics.
If the new referendum law comes into force it would shorten the window for holding the referendum from 90 to 60 days, Borwornsak said, but the overall timetable for the House dissolution and the election itself would remain unchanged.
Transition government’s role and public impact
The cabinet under Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul had been explicitly framed as a short-term administration tasked with steering constitutional reform, and leaders said the schedule was intended to bring clarity to Thailand’s political roadmap. For voters, it meant deciding two major issues within a few months: the composition of a new parliament and whether to adopt a new constitution.
Analysts noted the compressed calendar would place heavy demands on voters, political parties and election authorities to prepare information and campaigns in a short period. The government argued the joint ballot would be more efficient and cost-effective.
Longer term stakes
Supporters of the proposed constitution argue it could alter Thailand’s political system by decentralising power and strengthening oversight mechanisms. Experts cited by officials said the reform aimed to create stronger checks and balance, though opponents have expressed concerns about specific provisions.
Lawmakers and civil society groups will now focus on the final parliamentary debates over the charter text, and on preparations for a rapid referendum and election process that together mark a decisive moment in Thailand’s political transition.