The election is the initial important assessment of the junta under Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha, who has restricted political activities since taking control in a coup in 2014. Before the referendum, polls indicated a slight advantage for approving the new constitution, but many voters were uncertain. Initial results were anticipated around 8pm local time. Prayuth stated he would not step down if Thailand denies the constitution and that an election will happen next year regardless of the result. He urged Thai citizens to join in after voting on Sunday. "I encourage all individuals to participate in the voting process in order to determine the direction of the nation," stated Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha as he addressed journalists at a polling location in northwest Bangkok. Despite his remarks, a woman in the crowd interrupted him, questioning his ability to lead and safeguard the country before being escorted away by security. Approximately 200,000 police were assigned to supervise the election in Thailand. Despite major political parties opposing the constitution, there were no signs of unrest during the vote. The military junta, also known as the National Council for Peace and Order, has prohibited any criticism of the constitution and has arrested and charged several individuals, including politicians and activists, for speaking out against it. Critics argue that the constitution is the military's way of trying to prevent former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra and his populist politics from returning to power after he was removed in a coup in 2006. Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha has been in power during a period of political instability in Thailand, which has lasted over a decade since Thaksin's removal. Thaksin, who lives in self-imposed exile, still wields significant influence, especially among his rural supporters in the north. His sister Yingluck won a significant victory in the 2011 elections but was removed from power by Prayuth in a coup in 2014. Despite being banned from politics for five years due to allegations of mismanagement, Yingluck still participated in the voting process and encouraged others to do the same. Thaksin criticized the new constitution, claiming it would only serve to strengthen the military's control over Thailand. Interviews conducted by Reuters with high-ranking military officials revealed that the military's goal is to prevent future coups by implementing a new constitution that weakens political parties and gives the military a significant role in overseeing the country's economic and political development. The proposed constitution, which would be Thailand's 20th since the military ended absolute monarchy in 1932, includes a Senate appointed by the junta with seats reserved for military leaders to act as a check on elected officials. In the city of Khon Kaen, voters lined up outside the rebuilt city hall, which was destroyed during political unrest in 2010. Farmer Thongyoon Khaenkhaomeng expressed his desire for the country to improve and voted in favor of the constitution in hopes of ending divisions in Thailand. Day laborer Decha Shangkamanee expressed his dislike for the junta by voting against the charter, but he did not believe that the referendum would have a significant impact on the way the country is governed. Former Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra also cast her vote, expressing her hope for improvement in the country. Farmer Thongyoon Khaenkhaomeng, who voted in favor of the constitution, did so in the hopes of uniting Thailand and putting an end to its divisions. Day laborer Decha Shangkamanee explained that he voted against the charter due to his dislike of the junta, but he doesn't believe the referendum will have much impact on the country's governance. He expressed his belief that nothing will truly change with the current ruling system in place. The vote is taking place amidst concerns about the health of King Bhumibol Adulyadej, 88, and the military has historically used its role as protector of the revered monarch to justify its involvement in politics. Regardless of the outcome of the vote, the United Nations is advocating for more communication between the military and political adversaries, according to Luc Stevens, the UN chief in Thailand. He said that reconciliation cannot happen if one group wants to dictate the terms, and emphasized the importance of an inclusive process, open dialogue, and allowing people to share their opinions. Two students in Chaiyaphum were arrested for distributing anti-referendum leaflets. Despite the ban on campaigning, the military is still actively promoting voter participation, with the Election Commission aiming for an 80 percent turnout. Amnesty International stated that the military government had established a frightening atmosphere before the election by committing widespread abuses of human rights.