Power to the generals after Thailand votes for military-backed constitution

By Lindsay Murdoch
Updated August 9 2016 - 4:21am, first published August 8 2016 - 9:27pm
A voter casts a ballot in Bangkok. Photo: Brent Lewin
A voter casts a ballot in Bangkok. Photo: Brent Lewin
Thailand's Election Commissioner Somchai Srisutthiyakorn announces that voters had backed a constitution that lays the foundation for a civilian government influenced by the military and controlled by appointed officials. Photo: Vicky Ge Huang/AP
Thailand's Election Commissioner Somchai Srisutthiyakorn announces that voters had backed a constitution that lays the foundation for a civilian government influenced by the military and controlled by appointed officials. Photo: Vicky Ge Huang/AP
A student holds a poster reading "vote no = no coup " at Thammasat University in Bangkok on Sunday. Photo: Sakchai Lalit/AP
A student holds a poster reading "vote no = no coup " at Thammasat University in Bangkok on Sunday. Photo: Sakchai Lalit/AP
BANGKOK, THAILAND A voter checks a registration board at a polling station in Bangkok. Photo: Brent Lewin/Getty Images
BANGKOK, THAILAND A voter checks a registration board at a polling station in Bangkok. Photo: Brent Lewin/Getty Images

Bangkok: Thailand voted to accept a military-backed constitution on Sunday that will perpetuate the power of the country's generals and open the way for elections next year.