BANGKOK, (MILLAT ONLINE/APP/AFP) – Thailand’s junta
chief on Wednesday said he plans to lift the ban on political party gatherings before next year’s elections, although he declined to put a date on polls or state when the restrictions will be lifted.
The military seized power in 2014 ushering in Thailand’s most
autocratic government in a generation.
Former army chief turned Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O-Cha said the
coup was necessary to end a decade of political instability and root out corruption.
He has banned political parties from meeting, cracked down on public
dissent and granted himself the ability to pass any law in the name of national security.
The cornerstone of the military’s reform agenda has been a new
constitution which was given royal assent earlier this month, triggering a countdown towards elections.
“The election process will begin next year,” Prayut told reporters,
saying first the country must hold a cremation for late King Bhumibol Aduyadej, an event likely to take place in late October.
“In 2018 we will go ahead with holding elections and political
parties will be able to hold meetings.”