<div>For the past number of months, youth and student activists around the country have been challenging the upcoming constitutional referendum, and, certainly with the help of the junta, have made it clear this referendum is a democratic farce.&nbsp;</div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div>On 7 August 2016, Thai citizens, many of whom are unaware there is a referendum, and or are unable to make an informed vote, will take to voting stations to decide on a constitutional referendum, put forward by the junta.&nbsp;</div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div>In Thailand, the country with 99.99 per cent democracy, according </div>

<div> <p dir="ltr">At a seminar discussing the contents of the draft constitution in the upcoming referendum, political experts made clear that these updated legislation reduces democracy, and increases the junta’s control of future Thai politics.</p> </div>

<div>An expert explained how the Myanmarese military took control of politics, which is similar to what the Thai military is trying to accomplish over the past 70 years, adding that when a military takes control of ‘the ring,’ politics is in trouble.</div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div>On Thursday 28 July 2016, at Chulalongkorn University, Professor Robert H Taylor, a veteran expert in the military and politics of Myanmar was accompanied by Professor Surachat Bumrungsuk, an international relations professor at Chulalongkorn University, and Aung Thu Nyeen, a Myanmarese student at the National Institute </div>

<p dir="ltr">The “Computer Crimes Act” of Thailand was amended this year to change, add, and remove various aspects. Although many articles have been amended, and even improved in some cases, there are still &nbsp;critical issues found within the current and proposed legislation.</p> <p></p>

<p>A statement has been released following the arrest of a Prachatai reporter, and the subsequent search of Prachatai’s office, with concerns of the precedent against media freedom that could be set by these actions.<br /><br />On 13 July 2016, the Foreign Correspondents’ Club of Thailand (FCCT) released a statement raising concerns of the arrest of Prachatai reporter Taweesak Kerdpoka.<br /></p>

<p dir="ltr">Thailand has a grim and poor record of torture and enforced disappearances, which even in the last 10-15 years has barely improved, regardless of the international treaties and agreements it has signed onto. Experts, though, believe that improvements are coming, hopefully sooner than later.</p>

<div>As a Canadian Masters student who is researching development practices in Thailand, and works at Prachatai, I often hear and read about conflicts between authorities and activists. After observing interactions between the two groups this past weekend, from the explanations given by the authorities for their interventions at least, it seems like they are there just to help out! Let me explain.&nbsp;</div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div>There is an activist group called the New E-saan Movement, which is located in the northeast region of Isaan, in Thailand. </div>

<div>Following the worst mass shooting in American history, the LGBTI community of Bangkok joined many other cities around the world in showing love, support, and solidarity for the victims at a candlelight vigil.</div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div><img alt="" src="https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7618/27626008616_99e9e632e3_o.jpg" /></div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div><strong><span>People light candles in Bangkok at the candlelight vigil held for the mass shooting at Puls </span></strong></div>

<p><em>To commemorate the first year of the the New Democracy Movement, the up and coming anti-junta youth activists, Prachatai reviewed the development and achievements of the movement during the past year. Talking to the prominent members of the group on the future direction of the movement, a co-leader claims that they are currently the national opposer of the junta.</em></p> <div> </div>

<div>In light of recent events where some space has been given by authorities to Thais’ to publicly discuss more controversial topics, Amnesty International’s birthday seemed to follow that trend.&nbsp;</div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div>In the evening of Friday, 27 May, Amnesty International Thailand held an event, with fun activities and a panel discussion, at Root Garden at Thong Lor to celebrate the 55th year of the international organization. </div>

<p dir="ltr"><span id="docs-internal-guid-ee7b0490-e785-17fc-f410-235223b8a496">Considering the climate of fear and repression, the success of a protest march commemorating the 2014 coup has raised questions about the government crackdown on political discussion. Although answers differ, it can be agreed that the presence of the event is a good sign.</span></p> <p></p>

<div>Following a meeting with the Election Commission of Thailand, on 18 May, Damaso G. Magbual, chairperson and co-founder of the Asian Network for Free Elections (ANFREL), met with Prachatai English for an interview to discuss what the presence of an election monitoring group may mean for the upcoming referendum vote.&nbsp;</div> <div> </div>