Thai voters overwhelmingly approve junta-backed constitutionBy Vijay Joshi and Natnicha Chuwiruch, Associated PressBANGKOK — Thai voters on Sunday overwhelmingly approved a new junta-backed constitution that lays the foundation for a civilian government influenced by the military and controlled by appointed — rather than elected — officials. The 2014 coup ousted his sister Yingluck Shinawatra, who was elected prime minister in 2011. Under the abolished 2007 constitution, half the Senate was elected, and the prime minister had to come from the lower house. But others believe the new constitution has a different aim: to weaken allies of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, the central figure in the roiling of Thai politics. — A deadlock in the 500-member elected lower house could trigger a selection of a prime minister who is not an elected member of parliament.

Source: Manila Bulletin August 07, 2016 14:48 UTC