Thai Voters to Elect MPs and Decide on Drafting a New Constitution on Feb 8

With general elections and a landmark vote on the same day, Thai citizens face a choice that could reshape the nation’s highest law.

At a glance:

• Date: Sunday, 8 February 2026

• Decision: Approve drafting a new constitution?

• Ballots: One for MPs, one for the referendum

• Registration window: Out-of-district and overseas voters, 3–5 January

Why this weekend is a constitutional turning point

Thai voters will not only elect 500 members to the House of Representatives but also weigh in on whether the country needs a new charter. This dual-ballot approach marks the first public consultation under the Referendum Act 2021 and follows years of debate over the 2017 constitution’s balance of power between elected officials, the judiciary and the royal-appointed Senate. A majority “yes” would set in motion the people-driven process to craft fresh fundamental law.

The legal springboard: Section 9, paragraph 2

Late December, Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul formally announced via the Royal Gazette that the cabinet had backed a referendum under Section 9, paragraph 2 of the Referendum Act. Citing a need for broad public participation, ministers agreed on 18 December to synchronise the plebiscite with the general election. By doing so, the government met the required notice period—no sooner than 90 days and no later than 120 days after the decision—to hold Thailand’s first question on a brand-new constitutional draft.

Synchronizing two ballots to ease voter burden

The Election Commission has pegged the vote for 8 February to save public funds—an estimated ฿3 billion—and to mitigate voter fatigue that has plagued stand-alone referendums, which often saw turnout dip below 60%. On polling day, stations nationwide will distribute two separate, coloured ballots. While casting both is voluntary, officials warn that scanning each voter’s barcode ID twice may slow lines if only one ballot is filled out.

Campaign currents: Allies and skeptics

Political parties are lining up on both sides:

• Pheu Thai: Rolling out bus tours and door-knocking to secure a yes majority.

• Move Forward (now rebranded as the Progressive Party): Framing the vote as a chance to “reset checks and balances”.

• United Thai Nation: Officially neutral but privately sceptical of discarding the 2017 text.

• Civic network Con for All: Hosting street forums and publishing explainer leaflets.

Polls show roughly 51% in strong support, while others warn of a “silent force” of undecided urbanites. Academics from Thammasat University and street-level activists are scrambling to inform first-time voters before the mid-January information booklet is released.

For Thais abroad: casting a vote from afar

Any citizen outside their home district—or overseas—must register between 3 and 5 January via online portals, local registrars or Thai diplomatic missions. Unlike the general election, there is no advance polling day for the referendum itself; ballots can only be cast on 8 February, wherever you choose to vote.

Next chapter: pathways after the vote

A “yes” outcome triggers election of a 200-member Constitution Drafting Assembly within 45 days, organised along provincial lines. That body will draft a new text, followed by two additional referendums to approve drafting guidelines and ratify the final charter. A “no” vote leaves the 2017 constitution intact, forcing any amendments through a two-thirds joint parliamentary vote and approval of 250 senators—a steep climb given past roadblocks.

Whatever circle you tick, your decision on 8 February will echo through Parliament, boardrooms and neighbourhood councils for years to come.