Connect with us

Thailand Politics

Thailand’s PM Says Needs More Time in Office to Prepare for Elections

Avatar of CTN News

Published

on

PRAYUT

Thailand’s Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha sits in his car after arriving at Air Force Station Palam in New Delhi -Photo Adnan Abidi

BANGKOK – Thai Junta Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha on Tuesday said he needed a little more time in office to prepare the country for a general election, just days after his deputy said a vote planned for this year could be delayed.

Prayuth, installed himself as prime minister in August 2014 after leading a coup that ousted a civilian government, has delayed the date of a general election several times. Most recently, he said an election would take place in November 2018.

But last week Thailand’s parliamentary body voted to postpone enforcement of a new election law by 90 days, dragging out the time-frame. At the time, the deputy prime minister said parliament’s decision could delay the election until 2019.

“Please give me some time to lay the foundation for the country, that’s all,” Prayuth told reporters after a weekly cabinet meeting on Tuesday.

“The length of this time depends on the law,” he said, referring to last week’s parliamentary decision.

He did not give further details. Prayuth is under pressure at home and abroad to return to civilian governance.

s4.reutersmedia.net

Rangsiman Rome (C) speaks during a protest against junta delaying polls in Bangkok, Thailand January 27, 2018. – Photo Athit Perawongmetha

On Saturday, activists demanding an election this year gathered at a pedestrian bridge in central Bangkok, in a rare show of dissent.

Government critics say the junta is deliberately delaying the vote in order to tighten its grip on power by ensuring that its allies win the vote.

Some critics say Prayuth would like to stay in power after a general election. Thailand’s new constitution, which took effect last year, allows for an appointed prime minister.

Others have warned the junta needs to return Thailand to civilian rule within its promised timeframe, or risk fanning flames of discontent.

Prayuth addressed questions about waning public support.

“This is normal. Any government in their third year all encounter this,” he said on Tuesday.

 

By Aukkarapon Niyomyat and Panu Wongcha-um

Writing by Amy Sawitta Lefevre – Reuters

Continue Reading

CTN News App

CTN News App

Recent News

BUY FC 24 COINS

compras monedas fc 24

Volunteering at Soi Dog

Find a Job

Jooble jobs

Free ibomma Movies