A council appointed by Thailand’s military rulers has rejected a controversial new constitution drafted after last year’s coup.
A new committee must now be appointed to write another draft, further setting back elections.
The draft has been widely criticised, in particular a clause which enables a 23-member panel to take over government during a “national crisis”.
The army ousted the elected government after months of political unrest.
The 247-member National Reform Council rejected the draft charter by 135 votes to 105, with seven abstentions.
A new committee will have 180 days to write a new one, which will later be put to a nationwide referendum, reports the BBC.
Until a new constitution can be drafted, the military government retains its substantial powers.
It had said elections could take place in late 2016, but analysts say the delay means 2017 is more likely.
Critics of the draft constitution said it erodes the power of political parties in favour of the army.
Thailand has seen numerous different constitutions since the end of the absolute monarchy in 1932, eroding confidence in what is supposed to be a fundamental legal document.
