August 22, 2007: The south has
been quieter with all the security imposed for the August 19th vote on the
constitution. There have been a few attacks in the last week, and continued
arrests of terrorist suspects. The
violence in the south is becoming more of a civil war between Moslem groups.
Those backed by the criminal gangs and Islamic terrorists are facing increasing
resistance from more moderate Moslems who do not want to establish a religious
dictatorship in the south.
August 20, 2007: The new constitution was approved, with 58
percent of the vote. In the northeast, where ousted prime minister Thaksin
Shinawatra had most of his support, 37 percent approved, while in the capital,
where most Thaksin opposition was, 63 percent approved. The new constitution
gives more power to the courts, civil servants and the military. This is meant
to curb corrupt politicians.
