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Re: Protests update
With such a low turnout, claiming legitimacy may not be so easy. And taking into account the fear that the junta engendered in those who may have opposed the coup, even less cause for complacency.
I've just been speaking with my boyfriend in Kamphaeng Phaet; a very gloomy mood there. What will the Red Shirts do now?
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Re: Protests update
Thailand’s political transition intervened by foreign allies: Junta leader
Submitted by editor2 on Mon, 08/08/2016
The Thai junta premier welcomed the draft charter referendum result, saying the referendum was opened and transparent and pointed out that Thailand’s foreign allies have intervened in its political transition.
After the unofficial result of the 7 August public referendum turned out to be in favour of the junta-sponsored draft constitution, the Prime Minister office of Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha, junta leader, on Sunday, 7 August 2016, published a message for foreign media, the BBC Thai reported.... (read more)...
http://prachatai.org/english/node/6454
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Re: Protests update
Thai referendum: Why Thais backed a military-backed constitution
By Jonathan Head
Southeast Asia correspondent
More than 61% of those who voted backed the new charter.
The result of the referendum on Thailand's new constitution has left many observers around the world baffled.
Why would an electorate, denied any say over who governs them since a coup two years ago, vote to approve a charter which offers them only a semi-democracy?
A charter which was condemned by human rights groups and by the two largest political parties as a means to entrench military rule for many years to come?... (read more)... http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-37013950
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Re: Protests update
Brussels, 08/08/2016
Statement by the Spokesperson on the constitutional referendum in Thailand
On 7 August, the Election Commission reported that, in a national referendum, a large majority of the people of Thailand have voted in favour of the proposed constitution. During the campaign period, however, there were serious limitations to fundamental freedoms, including restrictions on debate and campaigning.
It is essential that the current restrictions on freedom of expression and assembly are lifted to allow for an open, inclusive and accountable political process. The EU continues to call upon the Thai authorities to create the conditions for a genuine democratic transition leading to early general elections. All main stakeholders in Thailand need to engage in an inclusive dialogue and work together peacefully towards this aim......
http://eeas.europa.eu/statements-eea...0808_02_en.htm
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Re: Protests update
Thailand's divisions on display in vote approving new constitution.
http://www.nytimes.com/2016/08/09/wo...tion.html?_r=0
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Re: Protests update
BOYCOTT CAMP REJECTS RESULTS OF ‘FAKE’ REFERENDUM
By Pravit Rojanaphruk, Senior Staff Writer - August 9, 2016
BANGKOK — Activists who boycotted the referendum called Tuesday for annulling the results of the junta-backed plebiscite, saying it was neither free nor fair from the start.
Four academics and activists said they want to see the results overturned at a symposium held at Thammasat University to discuss the outcome of Sunday’s vote in which voters adopt by the charter by a large margin.
“We do not accept the results... (read more)... http://www.khaosodenglish.com/politi...ke-referendum/
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Re: Protests update
Pro-coup party supports Prayut for post-election PM
Published: 10/08/2016
One day after Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwon indicated no military involvement in politics, plans were announced for a pro-coup political party to back Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha as the post-election prime minister.... (read more)... http://m.bangkokpost.com/news/105732...kokpost.com%2F
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Re: Protests update
Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Thailand
Press Releases : Comments on the Result of the Constitution Referendum
With regard to some comments from foreign governments and media following the Constitution referendum on 7 August 2016, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs wishes to clarify as follows:..(read more)..
http://www.mfa.go.th/main/en/media-c...n-Referen.html
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Re: Protests update
PM appeals to Thais to accept referendum, set aside differences
BANGKOK | BY AMY SAWITTA LEFEVRE AND PANARAT THEPGUMPANAT
Bangkok, Thailand, August 10, 2016.
Thai Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha called on Wednesday for acceptance of the outcome of a referendum that approved a military-backed constitution, saying unity was needed to tackle problems facing the country.... (read more)....
http://www.reuters.com/article/us-th...+World+News%29
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Re: Protests update
NEW ‘PEOPLE’S REFORM PARTY’ WOULD SEE PRAYUTH PRIME MINISTER OF ELECTED GOV’T
By Pravit Rojanaphruk, Senior Staff Writer - August 11, 2016
BANGKOK — A move to establish a military-friendly political party to appoint the junta leader prime minister again under an elected government was met with mixed reactions in the political sphere, though the consensus was that pro-junta elements and their proxies want a larger political space.... (read more)... http://www.khaosodenglish.com/politi...-elected-govt/