Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha refutes rumours that the regime is setting up a political party, during a press conference at Government House on Monday. The Puea Thai Party on Wednesday urged the ruling junta to end a ban on political activity since the 2014 coup, saying it feared a delay could signal that a general election promised for next year might be pushed back yet again. "The junta's continued ban on political activity could provide a channel or excuse to delay elections again, as has happened before many times," it said after an announcement by Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha that the ban would stay. "With the political ban in place, people only receive one-sided information, allowing the NCPO to build its credibility and discredit other parties," said Mr Titipol, the dean of political science at northeastern Ubon Ratchathani University. Although Gen Prayut cannot stand for election, a new military-backed constitution offers a route for him to be chosen as "outside prime minister".

Source: Bangkok Post November 08, 2017 08:48 UTC