BANGKOK -- Thailand's lawmakers voted down a constitutional amendment bill proposed by 135,000 civilians to abolish the Senate on Wednesday, a move that could add fuel to Thailand's pro-democracy protests, which have been regaining momentum once again.
The bill, in its first reading, was voted down by 473 lawmakers, against 206 who supported it and six who abstained. The public wants a greater say in government, a reduction of control by any one group, and an increase in the scrutiny of independent agencies including courts and the armed forces.
