On December 18, 2024, the Thai Parliament voted on a bill regarding a two-tier majority referendum system. The bill, which sought to amend the current single-majority system, was rejected with 327 votes against, 61 in favor, 1 abstention, and 1 non-vote. Support for the bill came primarily from the Bhumjaithai Party (BJT), which defied the government whip's position favoring the existing single-majority system.
Among those voting in favor were two MPs from the Thai Sang Thai Party (TST): Mr. Rang Thuraphon and Mr. Adisak Kaewmungkunsap, both opposition members. Despite being part of the opposition, these MPs often align with government policies.
The voting record also revealed significant absences among government coalition members. Key absentees included:
- Pheu Thai Party: 9 MPs
- United Thai Nation Party: 25 MPs
- Democrat Party: 13 MPs
- Bhumjaithai Party: 9 MPs
- Chart Thai Pattana Party: 6 MPs
- Pracharath Party splinter group: 20 MPs from Captain Thammanat Prompao's faction
- Prachachat Party: 4 MPs
- Thai Ruam Palang Party: 2 MPs
The People’s Party (PCN), another key supporter of single-majority referendums, maintained unity, with only two MPs absent: Mr. Ratchapong Sroisuwan and Mr. Surawat Thongbu.
The result highlights divisions within the government coalition, with dissenting votes and significant absences reflecting broader political fragmentation.