The Thai junta premier welcomed the draft charter referendum result, saying the referendum was open and transparent and pointed out that Thailand’s foreign allies have intervened in its political transition.

After the unofficial result of the 7 August public referendum turned out in favour of the junta-sponsored draft constitution, the Office of Prime Minister of Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha, junta leader, on Sunday, 7 August 2016, published a message for the foreign media, BBC Thai reported.

The headline of the message reads ‘To every Thai, whether you participated in the referendum or not, the government hears your voice.’

Gen Prayut said that the referendum was held on a ‘voluntary basis’ and that it was transparent and open, adding that it was part of the roadmap to lead Thailand to ‘true democracy’.

The statement then says, “The organization of this referendum is the initiative of the government, requiring great toil and persistence to reach this highest goal, where we have decided our future in a civilized manner. It is disappointing, however, that there has been inappropriate intervention by outsiders during this time of political transition.

“This interference has inevitably led us to feel disgust for the prejudice of those who call themselves friends of Thailand. But this malicious interference has resonated loud and clear with the Thai people who voted in the referendum today”

The junta leader concluded that he will listen to the people and provide sustainable solutions for Thailand’s political problems.

Yesterday, the Election Commission of Thailand (ECT) announced the unofficial result of the referendum after 94 per cent of the ballot was counted. 61.40 percent cast their votes in favour of the draft constitution while 38.60 voted against it.

In response to the second question on the referendum, asking whether voters approve the junta-appointed senate to jointly vote with the House of Representatives to select the Prime Minister, 58.11 per cent voted in favour of the proposal while 41.89 voted against it.

Only about 27 million people out of around 50 million eligible voters turned out for the draft constitution referendum on Sunday.