Bangkok (VNA) –♐ The Thai Government will deploy about 200,000 police in order to ensure security for a referendum on a new draft constitution slated for August 7.
However, Thai police said violence is unlikely.
Authorities have arrested dozens of activists and politicians in the run-up to the event, some for handing out leaflets urging people to vote 'no'.
During the referendum, Thais will vote on the new draft constitution. The document is being touted by the government as a solution to the decade-long political crisis in the country.
If the constitution is approved, a general election will be held in July 2017.
An opinion poll conducted by Bangkok University revealed that nearly 90 percent of respondents intended to vote in the referendum and nearly half said they approve of the draft constitution.
The referendum will run from 8am to 4pm on August 7. Unofficial results will be announced at 9pm the same day while the official outcome will be released three days later.-VNA
Thailand’s Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha said on June 27 that he will not resign if Thai people reject a draft constitution in a referendum in August.
Chairman of the Thai CDC Meechai Ruchupan will work with the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) and the Election Commission (EC) on the distribution of fake copies of the draft constitution.
Chairman of the Thai CDC Meechai Ruchupan warned on July 27 that if voters reject the draft constitution on the August 7 referendum, the country could face political instability.
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Illustrative image (Source: aecnewstoday.com)
