Thailand follows U.S. in faking democracy

Associated Press (ap.org via mail.org, August 7, 2016); Wisdom Quarterly

Look it's empty. We'll stuff it with votes later. Thai officers show an empty box before the start of vote in a referendum, Bangkok, Thailand, Sunday, Aug. 7, 2016 (AP).

Thais voted Sunday in a referendum on a new constitution that critics say is tailor-made for the military government to stay in control for several years and entrench a new, quasi-democratic system that gives vast powers to appointed officials (AP).

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Thai voters overwhelmingly approve junta-backed constitution

Deposed corrupt PM Yingluck Shinawatra

BANGKOK - Thai voters on Sunday overwhelmingly approved a new junta-backed constitution that lays the foundation for a civilian government influenced by the military and controlled by appointed -- rather than elected -- officials.

 

In a referendum called by the military government, 62 percent of the voters said they approved of the new constitution, while 38 percent rejected it, Election Commissioner Somchai Srisutthiyakorn told reporters. He said that 91 percent of the ballots had been counted, and that the result was not expected to change much after all votes are in.

 

That veneer of stability could help explain the "yes" vote for the new constitution. The charter "speaks to a lot of worries and concerns that a majority of Thai people have," Gothom Areeya, a professor at Thailand's Mahidol University, told The Associated Press. "Many Thais want to see an end to corruption and the return of peace and development. Even though experts like me may criticize it a lot, our message just didn't reach a lot of the people."

 

The referendum was seen as a test of the popularity of the military government of Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha, a retired army general who has severely curtailed dissent since coming to power in a 2014 coup. But his rule has also brought a measure of stability and ended the frequent street violence and divisive politics that had frayed Thailand's social fabric for years.

 

In addition to asking for an opinion on the constitution, the referendum also asked a supplementary question on whether voters wanted an appointed Senate to choose a prime minister. That question elicited a less enthusiastic approval -- 58 percent "yes" and 42 percent "no," Somchai said.

 

Fifty-five percent of Thailand's roughly 50 million registered voters cast ballots in the referendum. Although no irregularities were reported in the voting process, critics are likely to point out that the vote was skewed because the "no" camp was denied the opportunity to present its case.

 

The junta imposed severe restrictions in the run-up to the referendum, banning political rallies, independent campaigns and open discussion about the draft constitution. Criticism of the draft was made punishable by 10 years in jail. Critics say the restrictions ensured that most people were unaware of the pitfalls of the charter, and were probably anxious to get the long-drawn process over with so that they could move on. More