But he confirmed he will maintain the Section 44 powers of the interim constitution even though that law has been superseded. "The government cannot set the exact date of the elections because it is not yet possible to predetermine the beginning dates of each successive event. At this moment, we only know the beginning date of the first event today, the promulgation of the Constitution," he said. Under the new constitution, all 250 seats in the Senate will be appointed by the junta during a five-year transitional period to democracy. Gen Prayut had promised to hold the election this year, but it is likely to be delayed at least until late 2018.

Source: Bangkok Post April 07, 2017 02:26 UTC