Thailand ‘not stable enough to lift ban’

BANGKOK: The Thai government had no plans to lift a ban on political activities imposed since a coup several years ago, Thai Prime Minister and junta leader Prayut Chan-o-cha said yesterday, saying the situation in the country was “not yet stable”.

Prayut was responding to politicians from several parties who have been calling on the junta to remove the ban, which was put in place after the coup in May 2014.

“As the (junta) leader, I already made a promise to the people to bring about peace and security. But you can see that the situation is not yet stable,” Prayut told a press conference.

“You (politicians) have to stop (disrupting) everyone’s peace of mind,” the prime minister added.

The junta had previously said political life could resume after late king Bhumibol Adulyadej was cremated.

The elaborate ceremony for the late monarch concluded on Sunday.

Under the military regime, any political gatherings of more than four people, including street protests, are prohibited.

Many civilians have been put in military detention for what the junta called “attitude adjustment” for defying the ban.

“There is no reason whatsoever to forbid politicians to start working on their policies and campaigning.

“No one is making any disturbances,” said Phongthep Thepkanjana, a senior member of Pheu Thai Party.

“The longer the junta holds on to the ban, the more the general public loses,” Phongthep added.

The junta has promised general elections in November next year following several postponements, citing the need to reform the country and restore order.