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A Thailand’s junta-backed council has rejected the controversial new constitution drafted after last year’s coup.

A new committee must now be appointed to write another draft, further setting back elections.

The draft has been widely criticized, in particular a clause which enables a 23-member panel to take over government during a “national crisis”.

Thailand’s army ousted the elected government after months of political unrest.Thailand draft constitution

The 247-member National Reform Council rejected the draft charter by 135 votes to 105, with seven abstentions.

Correspondents say that it met strong opposition on practically all sides of the political divide.

Another committee will have 180 days to write a new one, which will later be put to a nationwide referendum.

Until a new constitution can be drafted, the military government retains its substantial powers.

It had said elections could take place in late 2016, but analysts say the delay means 2017 is more likely.

Critics of the draft constitution say it would erode the power of political parties in favor of the army and prevent a genuine democracy from being established.

Thailand has seen numerous different constitutions since the end of the absolute monarchy in 1932.

For years Thailand has been divided between pro-democracy parties that support former PM Thaksin Shinawatra, and an alliance of conservatives, including members of the military, the judiciary and royalists.

Thaksin Shinawatra’s allies have prevailed in every election since 2001, but have faced two coups and the removal of three prime ministers by the courts.

 

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The Thai ruling junta has ordered TV regulators to ensure that soccer fans will not have to pay to watch any matches at the World Cup 2014.

The military said it was part of its “happiness campaign”, which has seen a number of policy gimmicks, such as free haircuts and concerts.

Thailand’s football match with elephants representing World Cup nations

Thailand’s football match with elephants representing World Cup nations

Meanwhile, an anti-coup protest leader has been charged with incitement and could face 14 years in jail.

The junta overthrew Yingluck Shinawatra’s government last month promising to restore order.

Bangkok and some other parts of Thailand have been under curfew ever since.

The military has since cracked down on dissent, detaining hundreds of potential opponents and releasing them with warnings about their future behavior.