The election serves as a significant test of public approval for the military government led by Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha, who has restricted political activities since taking power in a coup in 2014. Surveys indicated a slight preference for approving the new constitution, but many voters remained undecided. Initial results were anticipated to be announced at 8pm local time. Prayuth stated he would not step down if the constitution is rejected and promised an election next year regardless of the outcome. He urged Thai citizens to vote after casting his own ballot on Sunday. Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha encouraged all citizens to participate in voting to determine the country's future during an interview at a polling station in northwest Bangkok. Despite his remarks, he faced criticism from a woman who questioned his ability to govern and protect the nation before being escorted away by security. Approximately 200,000 police officers were present during the vote in Thailand, and despite the rejection of the constitution by the country's major political parties, there were no reports of protests or disturbances. The ruling junta, also known as the National Council for Peace and Order, has prohibited any criticism of the constitution, leading to the detention and charges against numerous individuals who have spoken out against it, including politicians and student activists. Critics argue that the constitution is an effort by the military to address their failure to eliminate former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra and his populist policies from Thai politics following his removal in a 2006 coup. Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha has been in power during a period of more than ten years of political unrest in Thailand since Thaksin's ousting. Despite living in self-imposed exile, Thaksin still wields significant influence, especially among his supporters in the rural areas of the country. In 2011, Yingluck's sister rose to power through a decisive electoral victory, only to be removed from office by Prayuth in a coup three years later. Despite being banned from politics for five years for mismanaging a rice scheme, Yingluck still participated in the voting process and encouraged others to do the same. Thaksin criticized the new constitution, claiming it would further entrench the junta's control and hinder effective governance in Thailand. Reuters interviews 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 role in overseeing the country's economic and political development. The proposed constitution, the 20th in Thailand's history since the military ended absolute monarchy in 1932, includes a junta-appointed Senate with seats reserved for military leaders to limit the power of elected officials. In Khon Kaen, a city in northeastern Thailand, voters lined up outside the rebuilt city hall, which was destroyed during political unrest in 2010. Farmer Thongyoon Khaenkhaomeng, who voted in a nearby school, expressed his desire for the country to improve and voted in support of the constitution in hopes of ending 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 the referendum would have a significant impact on the country's governance. Former Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra expressed her hope for improvement in the country after voting, while farmer Thongyoon Khaenkhaomeng, who voted in favor of the constitution, stated that he wanted to see an end to Thailand's divisions. Day laborer Decha Shangkamanee explained that he voted against the charter because he disliked the junta, but he did not believe the referendum would bring about significant change. He expressed skepticism about the current ruling system in the country. The vote took place amid concerns about the health of King Bhumibol Adulyadej, 88, with the military traditionally using its role as protector of the monarch to justify its involvement in politics. The United Nations is advocating for more communication between the military and political adversaries, regardless of the outcome of the vote, according to Luc Stevens, the UN chief in Thailand. He stated to Reuters before the referendum that reconciliation cannot occur if one group insists on dictating the terms. To ensure that no one is left behind in the country, it is important to have an inclusive process, open dialogue, and allow people to freely express their opinions. In Chaiyaphum, two students were arrested for distributing leaflets opposing the referendum, according to Police Colonel Aram Prajit. Despite the ban on campaigning, the military junta has mobilized thousands of cadets to encourage Thailand's 50 million eligible voters to participate in the referendum. The Election Commission is aiming for an 80 percent voter turnout. Amnesty International stated that the junta had established a frightening atmosphere before the election by committing widespread human rights abuses.