Bangkok : Millions of Thais voted on a junta-crafted constitution Sunday in a referendum where open debate has been banned, as opponents warned the document will perpetuate military power and deepen divisions.
The plebiscite offered Thais their first chance to vote since generals toppled the elected government of Yingluck Shinawatra in 2014.
The kingdom is split after a decade of political turmoil that has dented growth, seen democracy shunted aside and left scores dead in rival street protests.
The military says their new constitution will curb endemic political corruption and bring stability after the dizzying merry-go-round of recent years.
But critics say it aims to neuter civilian politicians and tighten the hold of the military -- and their allies in the royalist elite -- over the country.
Potchana Surapitic, 53, who voted for the constitution in Bangkok, said she was convinced the military's promise to hold full elections next year was the country's best chance for stability.
"I want the situation to return to normal and I want elections," she told AFP.
"But I also want a government that can manage the country, I don't want it to be a vacuum like before."
Polls closed at 4:00pm (0500 GMT) with the Election Commission saying it planned to release preliminary results by 9:00pm.
"The vote proceeded smoothly," chairman Supachai Somcharoen told reporters.
Election authorities have targeted an 80 percent turnout but in the run-up to Sunday the referendum appeared to have garnered little public enthusiasm.
A low turnout is likely to favour the military, while a big showing from the Shinawatra's populous northern heartlands could defeat the document.
Toppled premier Yingluck, whose party rejects the draft charter, urged Thais to participate in the poll.
"Today is a very important day for Thailand... go and vote," she told reporters.
