On the 8th of this month, Thailand conducted a referendum to decide on constitutional reform coinciding with its lower house election. The current constitution, which was established under military rule, grants significant powers to the monarchy and military, enabling conservative factions supporting the monarchy to eliminate political rivals. Calls for reform have escalated from political reform advocates who argue that the existing constitution undermines democracy and allows for judicial interventions that disproportionately target opposing political factions via legal maneuvers.

The constitutional reform process is structured around three referendums, with the first one held on the 8th, asking voters whether they support, oppose, or wish to abstain from reforms. If support surpasses the majority threshold, it will pave the way for a second vote that will outline specific procedures for drafting amendments. The current constitution was approved following the military coup in 2014, and its provisions are seen as heavily biased towards conservative elements within Thai politics, which critics argue lead to what is described as a 'judicial coup' by allowing the judiciary to eliminate political adversaries.

The tension surrounding constitutional reform has been intensified by the events leading to the emergence of the current ruling party, the progressive Move Forward Party. In a tactical maneuver during the prime ministerial nomination elections in September of last year, the Move Forward Party promised support to the conservative Bhumjaithai Party on the condition that constitutional amendments and a dissolution of the lower house occur within four months. This coalition formed around Prime Minister Anutin's party highlighted the contentious nature of constitutional politics in Thailand, as well as the challenges faced by reformist forces opposing long-standing conservative influence that shapes the political landscape.