Demonstrators gathered for the second time in three days in downtown Bangkok to protest against the possibility of another delay in Thailand’s general election schedule. Postings on Twitter on Tuesday showed dozens of people hoisting placards and calling on the junta to stick to a plan for a poll on Feb. 24, after more than four years of military rule. Such protests were banned until the government in December lifted restrictions on political gatherings ahead of the expected vote. Since then, officials have signaled the poll date may have to be moved to avoid a clash with preparations for the coronation of King Maha Vajiralongkorn in May. On New Year’s Day, the Bureau of the Royal Household said that the coronation ceremony will be held on May 4-6.
Earlier Tuesday, local media reported a government department had instructed officials to halt preparations for the election until clarity on the poll date emerges.
Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-Ocha, the former army chief who led the coup in May 2014, said in his weekly briefing Tuesday the election date would become clearer once the relevant royal decree is issued.
The timeline for a vote has been repeatedly pushed back by the military government.
Full Article: Risk of Delay in Thai Election Sparks Downtown Bangkok Protest – Bloomberg.