Thailand-Based Foreign Diplomats Briefed on Upcoming General Election

 

BANGKOK – Thailand-based foreign diplomats and representatives of international organisations have received briefing from Election Commission (EC) on an upcoming general election to be held in the kingdom next February 24, 2019.

The briefing was given on Friday by EC chairman Itthiporn Boonprakong and EC secretary-general Charoongvit Poomma and attended by foreign diplomats and officers of international organisations from 74 countries.

The briefing focused on how senators and members of the House of Representatives are either appointed or elected in the upcoming general election, the first one to be held after a successful coup in Thailand on May 22, 2014.

An announcement is due to be published in the Royal Gazette and political candidates vying for seats in the Lower House can start campaigning and also allowing the EC to work closely with the Foreign Affairs Ministry on inviting eligible Thai voters now staying oversea to exercise vote.

After the briefing which lasted over one hour, Mr Itthiporn told journalists that selection of senators process will start this Sunday.

He said the EC will officially announce election date, registration of election candidates, an advance election, on election for Thais living abroad, on appointments of Senate and House of Representatives chairpersons, as well as on appointments of prime minister and cabinet ministers after the election.

A fresh briefing to foreign diplomats will be held again before the election date, said Mr Itthiporn.

Foreign observers at polling booths on the election day are also welcome, he added.

Source: TNA