PM mulls developments towards general election

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Prime Minister Gen Prayut Chan-ocha.
Prime Minister Gen Prayut Chan-ocha.

Bangkok – Prime Minister Gen Prayut Chan-ocha says he is looking into an appropriate time to lift bans on political activity and is considering sometime in November or early December. He assured the electorate he is open to views from political parties on the matter and will be coordinating with the EC. He has again declined to comment on his own political future at this time.

Deputy Prime Minister Wissanu Kreau-ngam meanwhile, indicated that anybody who wishes to run in the upcoming general election must have party membership 90 days prior to the poll, or by November 26 this year. He confirmed that political parties will be invited to meet with the PM in November to discuss matters to do with the election.

EC Secretary-General Pol Col Jarungwit Phumma revealed that the commission has accepted five more political parties; Phaendintham Party, Prachachart Party, Phalang Chart Thai Party, Prachatham Thai Party and Khlong Thai Party. A total 16 new parties have been registered so far, bringing the nation’s total to 81 parties.

The Ministry of Education has at the same time revealed it will discuss moving the GAT/PAT exam in 2019 so that it does not coincide with the general election. It must first review the matter with relevant agencies including the Council of University Presidents of Thailand.