Opposition leader Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut is urging the government to withdraw its plan to hold a referendum on the controversial memorandums of understanding (MoUs) with Cambodia signed in 2000 and 2001, saying such complex international issues fall squarely within the government’s remit — not the public’s.
Mr Natthaphong, who heads both the opposition and the People’s Party (PP), voiced strong reservations about Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul’s proposal to let the public decide on whether Thailand should retain or revoke the two MoUs — known as MoU 43 and MoU 44 — which define frameworks for resolving land and maritime boundary disputes with Cambodia.
Citing a recent Nida Poll, he said around 70% of respondents admitted they had little or no understanding of the MoUs’ content, with 44% saying they did not understand them at all.
This, he said, raises serious doubts about whether a referendum could genuinely reflect the people’s will.
“A referendum can only represent the people’s voice when voters are well-informed,” he said. “Educating and engaging the public is far more important than the act of voting itself.”
He noted that the MoUs are filled with technical and diplomatic details that cannot be explained in short public forums or campaign-style communication. Some sections are so sensitive that parliamentary discussions have had to be held behind closed doors.
Without full, balanced information, he warned, the results would be superficial and misleading.
Mr Natthaphong added that responsibility for the MoUs lies with the executive branch.
“The people have already entrusted the management of international relations and national security to the government. Passing the decision to the public is an abdication of responsibility,” he said.
He also voiced concern that holding the referendum alongside the next general election would confuse voters, who must already cast two ballots for constituency and party-list MPs.
“The public would be overwhelmed by multiple complex issues at once,” he said. “We must question whether this serves national interests or political agendas, especially when parliament will be dissolved in four months.”
The PP leader reaffirmed that his party would oppose the government’s referendum plan if it proceeds without ensuring the public receives accurate and comprehensive information from all sides.
However, he said, the party respects democratic principles and will accept the outcome if the process is transparent.
“If the process is flawed, we risk getting results which are meaningless and damaging,” he said, urging Prime Minister Anutin to allow qualified personnel and institutions — such as diplomats, security agencies, and relevant ministries — to handle the issue professionally.
Echoing these concerns, PP party-list MP Rangsiman Rome said holding a referendum without adequate public understanding would be dangerous.
He noted that the House of Representatives has already formed a special committee, chaired by Chaichanok Chidchob, Minister of Digital Economy and Society and Bhumjaithai Party Secretary-General, to study the potential consequences of cancelling the MoUs and compile expert opinions.
“Even many MPs do not fully understand the details,” Mr Rangsiman said. “For a referendum to be meaningful, people must know exactly what they’re voting for. Otherwise, it’s just symbolic.”
Senator Pisit Apiwattanapong said the government should first explain whether the MoUs benefit or harm national security. “If you ask those who know versus those who don’t, the answers will differ,” he said. “It’s the government’s duty to educate the public.”