Referendum embeds semi-authoritarian rule in Thailand

Significance

Although official results are due on August 10, the Election Commission has announced that, after a count of 94% of votes, both questions posed in the referendum -- on the draft constitution and on the role of the appointed Senate in selecting the prime minister -- have won approval by 61% and 58% respectively. This is a major political victory for the military's National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) and Prime Minister General Prayuth Chan-ocha.

Impacts

• The military, the palace and all major political parties favour an open economy. This will secure investor interest in Thailand.
• Strong military control over the state will reduce the policy influence of civilian politicians.
• Despite the political turn, US-Thailand security cooperation will continue, as will the deepening of China-Thailand economic partnership.