A session of Thailand's parliament (Photo: Xinhua/VNA) Hanoi (VNA) – Thailand’s parliament has approved constitutional amendments recommended by the Office of new King Maha Vajiralongkorn, a move likely to delay a general election scheduled for the end of this year.
Of 231 members, 228 voted in favor of changes in the draft constitution while three abstaining.
The Parliament also made changes allowing the king to travel overseas without appointing a regent to rule in his stead.
Earlier, Thai Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha said the king office had asked for some changes to clauses concerning royal power in the draft constitution which was written by the Thai army and seen as the focus of the military government’s plan to hold the general election.
The general election is likely to take place in 2018, said Somjet Boonthanom, a member of parliament.
The election will take place 15 months after the constitution is endorsed, he said, adding that Thai government has to announce the requested amendments, then the king has 90 days to approve the amended constitution.
The draft constitution was approved in a referendum last year and was looking to the king’s ratification. The promulgation of the constitution is expected in early February.-VNA
