Exit polls show constitution draft passes in Thailand´s first referendum

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A Thai Muslim woman casts her ballot at a polling station in Thailand's Yala province, around 1084 km (672 miles) south of Bangkok, Aug. 19, 2007. (Xinhua/Reuters Photo)

Prime Minster Surayud Chulanont said he was satisfied with the voter turnout for the referendum.

Surayud Chulanont said, "At this point, according to the information I have, more than 50 percent of the Thai people came out to vote. Because of this turnout, I want to thank my people for exercising their right to vote in this referendum."

The Election Commission said later that turnout had risen to above 60 percent. Prime Minister Surayud reaffirmed that a new general election would be held by the end of this year. He said the best time would be after the celebration of the King's 80th birthday on December 5.

The 186-page charter curbs the role of politicians and emphasizes checks and balances, but critics say that comes at the expense of participatory democracy.