Thai parliament approves king's constitutional changes request, likely delaying elections

Thailand's military-backed parliament voted overwhelmingly on Friday to make amendments to the constitution as suggested by the new king's office, a move likely to delay a general election scheduled for the end of the year. The military-backed constitution is a key part of the junta's plans to hold an election to return Thailand to democratic rule following a 2014 coup. The draft constitution was approved in a referendum last year and has been awaiting endorsement by King Maha Vajiralongkorn, who took the throne in December after the death of his father, King Bhumibol Adulyadej, who commanded immense respect from Thais during his 70-year reign.

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