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Published on August 20, 2007

The station at Rongtham Samakkhee School in Tambon San Kamphaeng of San Kamphaeng district voted 307-119 against the constitution draft. Seven ballots were void.

In other areas, anti-charter campaigns were widespread - but peaceful. Organisers feared criminal penalties for violating electoral and voting laws.

However, opponents boldly wore their red shirts in protest on the street and at polling stations. Banners opposing the draft were not in evidence.

Text messages opposing the Council for National Security were sent to a large number of mobile-telephone users while printed fliers

containing similar content were placed at many public places.

More than 3,000 conscripted soldiers and non-commissioned officers of the 7th Infantry Regiment - the only combat unit in Chiang Mai - voted along with family members.

The unit is investigating those responsible for organising free trips available from Saturday and yesterday. These prevented voters casting a vote, it said.

Chiang Mai Election Commission chief Nanop Sakdaphorn reported anti-charter activities to the commission's national office. Complaints will be investigated by police.

The commission's office in Lampang found no violations of electoral law, according to chief Ekchai Ruenkham.

However, he was worried about delays in getting results from remote polling stations, many which could be reached on foot only.