Thais to vote for first time since 2014 coup in charter referendum

By Amy Sawitta Lefevre and Pairat Temphairojana BANGKOK/KHON KAEN, Thailand (Reuters) - Thailand votes on Sunday in a referendum on a new junta-backed constitution that would pave the way for a general election in 2017 but require future governments to rule on the military's terms. The referendum is the first major popularity test for the junta led by Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha, who has suppressed political activity during the two years since he seized power in a coup in 2014. Polls suggest a small lead in favor of accepting the new constitution, but most voters remain undecided.

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