Thailand's constitutional amendments likely to delay election

BANGKOK, Jan. 13 (UPI) -- Thailand's parliament voted Friday to approve amendments to its constitution, an action likely to delay a general election, a parliament member said.

The National Legislative Assembly approved an amendment to the interim charter regarding the authority of King Maha Vajiralongkorn, who ascended to the throne in October. The approval process was delayed while the legislature waited the king's consent of the legislation. Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-choa said the king requested changes in the draft. Legislator Somjet Boontharom said Friday the delay will likely postpone elections to 2018, or "15 months after the constitution is endorsed."

The amendment, which authorizes the government's Privy Council chairman to serve as regent pro tempore if the king is unavailable or incapacitated, was approved by 228 members of the assembly, with three abstaining and none voting in opposition.

The new Thai constitution is a vital element of the military junta's plans to hold an election to return the country to a democracy, the International Business Times said.

Thailand's military has led the country since a 2014 coup.