Thailand's constitution came one step closer to completion on Friday - a prerequisite for promised elections - as the country's parliament approved an amendment requested by the king's office.
The changes, requested by King Maha Vajiralongkorn Bodindradebayavarangkun's office, concern the designation of a regent when the king is outside of Thailand or unable to perform his duties, The Nation newspaper reported.
The amendments to the interim charter also allow Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha to amend the new constitution accordingly, it said.
"This is solely about royal power and is not concerning people's rights," Prayuth said on Tuesday.
The military-appointed National Legislative Assembly (NLA) passed the amendment with 228 votes in favour and three absentions.
The new constitution passed in a referendum on August 7 but has not been endorsed by the king. The last day for royal endorsement of the constitution is February 6, according to the Bangkok Post.
Concerns about election delays were raised after remarks made last week by members of the NLA suggesting lawmakers would need at least 15 months to finalise election laws and hold the election.
Election laws need to be in accordance with the royally endorsed constitution, lawmakers said.
Vajiralongkorn succeeded his father, king Bhumibol Adulyadej, a revered monarch who died on October 13 after more than seven decades on the throne.
Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha says the amendment is solely about royal power.
