The vote in favour of the draft constitution proposed by the military junta, in power since May 2014, is not good news. It does not resolve any of the political or social conflicts, while anti-democratic measures in the draft text suggest that the new constitution will not last much longer than the previous ones. Political uncertainty was clearly exacerbated by the king’s recent death, and is bound to last several more years. In the meantime, economic growth is picking up feebly, buoyed by tourism revenues and public spending. Yet Thailand’s competitiveness and attractiveness continue to erode, while competition with other countries in the region is increasingly straining FDI inflows.
- A new constitution is adopted
In early August, Thais voted – against their interests – to approve the new constitution proposed by the military junta. Eliminating the majority of citizens’ political rights, the draft constitution was approved by 61% of voters (with a participation rate of 60%). A supplementary question added to the referendum at the last minute was approved by 58% of votes: in the name of “national reform”, Thais were asked to agree that an unelected prime minister could be appointed jointly by the House of Representatives and the Senate. The constitution’s approval paves the way for new elections to be held, probably at the end of 2017.
Although the election campaign was conducted under severe restrictions – the “no” vote was forbidden to campaign – the results were interpreted as the people’s will to bring an end to the political unrest that has dragged on since the absolute monarchy was abolished in 1932.
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by Hélène DROUOT