The election serves as the first significant measure of public support for the military government led by Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha, who has limited political activity since taking power in a coup in 2014. Polls indicated a slight advantage for approving the new constitution before the vote, but many voters were unsure. Initial results were predicted to be available at 8pm local time. Prayuth stated that he would not step down if Thailand rejects the new constitution and promised that an election will occur in the following year regardless of the vote's outcome. 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 determine the future of the nation," Prime Minister Prayuth expressed to journalists at a polling station in northwest Bangkok. He faced opposition from a woman in the crowd who questioned his ability to govern and protect the country before being escorted away by security. Approximately 200,000 police were assigned to oversee the voting process in Thailand, and despite the major political parties rejecting the constitution, there were no signs of protests or disturbances. 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 numerous individuals, including politicians and student activists, for speaking out against it. Critics argue that the charter is the military's effort to eliminate former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra and his populist movement from Thai politics, following his removal in a coup in 2006. Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha has been in power during a period of political unrest in Thailand that has lasted over a decade since Thaksin's ousting. Thaksin currently lives in self-imposed exile but still wields significant influence, especially among his supporters in rural areas of the country. His sister, Yingluck, won a landslide victory in the 2011 elections but was overthrown by Prayuth in a coup three years later in 2014. Despite being banned from politics for five years due to mismanaging a rice scheme, Yingluck cast her ballot and expressed her happiness at being able to exercise her rights as a Thai citizen. Thaksin criticized the charter, calling it a mistake that would only strengthen the junta's power and hinder Thailand's governance. 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 ensures the military has 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 a Senate appointed by the junta with seats reserved for military leaders to limit the power of elected officials. In Khon Kaen, a city in northeast Thailand, approximately 50 voters waited in line outside the rebuilt city hall, which was destroyed during political turmoil in 2010. Farmer Thongyoon Khaenkhaomeng, who voted at a nearby school, stated that he supported the constitution in hopes of uniting the country 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 did not believe the referendum would have a significant impact on the country's governance. Former Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra shared her thoughts after voting, expressing a desire for the country to improve. Farmer Thongyoon Khaenkhaomeng, who voted in favor of the constitution at a nearby polling station, stated that he hoped for an end to Thailand's divisions. Day laborer Decha Shangkamanee stated that he voted against the charter due to his dislike of the junta, but did not believe the referendum would have a significant impact. He expressed his belief that the country's ruling system would remain unchanged. The vote takes place amidst concerns about the health of 88-year-old King Bhumibol Adulyadej, with the military historically using its role as protector of the revered monarch to justify political interventions. Regardless of the outcome, the United Nations is calling for increased dialogue between the military and political adversaries, according to Luc Stevens, the UN chief in Thailand. He told Reuters before the referendum that there can be no reconciliation if one group insists on dictating the terms. To ensure that no one is left behind in the country, an inclusive process with open dialogue and freedom of expression is necessary. In the province of Chaiyaphum, two students were arrested for distributing leaflets against the referendum. Despite the ban on campaigning, the junta has mobilized thousands of military 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 on Friday that the military regime had established a frightening atmosphere leading up to the election by committing widespread human rights abuses.