When Confronted With Military Or Military, Thais Choose Military

Like airline passengers asked to pick between two equally unappetizing dishes loosely defined as “dinner” Thai voters went to the polls this weekend in a referendum to pick a new constitution. Voters were asked to accept a military drafted constitution that will strengthen the role of the military in the state or have the military write a new constitution anyway. Unsurprisingly, they opted to accept this constitution by 60% because, at least they knew what they would be getting. The country has been ruled by a military junta since a coup in 2014 and the hope is that this new constitution will pave the way for civilian rule soon. The problem is that whatever new government comes will have to play by the military’s rules… sounds like a recipe for disaster.