The election serves as a significant test of public support for the military regime led by Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha, which has restricted political activities since taking power in a coup in 2014. Polls before the referendum showed a slight advantage for those in favor of the new constitution, but many voters were undecided. Initial results were anticipated for 8pm local time. Prayuth stated that he will not step down if the constitution is rejected, and that elections will occur next year regardless of the vote. He urged Thai citizens to participate in the election after casting his own vote on Sunday. "I encourage all individuals to participate in voting in order to make a decision about the country's future," said Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha, addressing reporters at a polling station in northwest Bangkok. He faced opposition from a woman who questioned his ability to govern and protect the country before security personnel intervened. Approximately 200,000 police officers were present for the vote in Thailand, and despite major political parties opposing the constitution, there were no signs of protests or issues. The junta, also known as the National Council for Peace and Order, has prohibited any criticism of the constitution and has arrested and charged many individuals who have spoken out against it, including politicians and student activists. Critics argue that the constitution is the military's way of trying to eliminate former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra and his populist policies from Thai politics following his removal in 2006. Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha has been in power during a period of political unrest that has lasted over a decade since Thaksin was ousted. Thaksin, who now lives in exile, still holds significant influence, especially among his rural supporters in the north of Thailand. His sister Yingluck won a decisive victory in the 2011 elections but was removed from power by Prayuth in a coup three years later. Despite being barred from politics for five years due to a corruption conviction, Yingluck was able to vote in the recent election and encouraged others to do the same. Thaksin criticized the new constitution, claiming it would only strengthen the military junta's control over Thailand. Interviews with senior military officers conducted by Reuters revealed that the military's goal is to prevent future coups by implementing a new charter that weakens political parties and gives the military a role in overseeing the country's economic and political development. The proposed constitution, which would be Thailand's 20th since the military ended an absolute monarchy in 1932, includes provisions for a Senate appointed by the junta with seats reserved for military leaders to limit the authority of elected officials. In Khon Kaen, a city in northeastern Thailand, approximately 50 voters lined up outside the newly rebuilt city hall, which had been destroyed during political turmoil in 2010. Farmer Thongyoon Khaenkhaomeng, who was voting at a nearby school, expressed his desire for the country to improve and voted in favor of the constitution in hopes of uniting Thailand and ending divisions. Day laborer Decha Shangkamanee expressed that he voted against the charter due to his disapproval of the junta, but did not anticipate the referendum to have a significant impact. He stated, "I know that nothing really changes today with the way the country is ruled." Former Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra also shared her thoughts after voting. Farmer Thongyoon Khaenkhaomeng, who voted in favor of the constitution at a nearby polling station, expressed his desire for the country to improve and for an end to Thailand's divisions. Day laborer Decha Shangkamanee explained that he voted against the charter due to his dislike of the junta, but he did not believe that the referendum would bring about significant change. He expressed his belief that the country's ruling system would remain the same. The vote took place amidst concerns about the health of King Bhumibol Adulyadej, with the military historically using its role as protector of the 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 opponents, according to Luc Stevens, the UN chief in Thailand. He stated to Reuters before the referendum that true reconciliation cannot happen if one group insists on reconciliation only on their own terms. To prevent leaving anyone behind in the country, an inclusive process and open dialogue must be pursued to allow people to freely express their opinions. Two students in Chaiyaphum were arrested for distributing leaflets opposing the referendum, according to Police Colonel Aram Prajit. Despite the ban on campaigning, the military junta has still mobilized numerous cadets to encourage Thailand's 50 million eligible voters to take part in the referendum. The Election Commission aims for an 80 percent voter turnout. Amnesty International stated that the military regime had established a frightening atmosphere leading up to the election by committing widespread human rights abuses.