Thai junta relaxes ban on political activities

BANGKOK: For the first time since the 2014 coup, political parties are now allowed to convene and make preparations for the upcoming election.

The order relaxing the junta ruling was issued yesterday after the promulgation of the last two organic laws on Wednesday.

Political parties are now allowed to convene to amend internal charters and vote on new executives but electronic communication and electoral campaigns remain substantially restricted.

The order also provides a solution for primary voting which had been made impossible by time constraints as the junta had refused to lift the ban on political activities.

For the first time since the military took power and imposed the strict ban on political movements more than four years ago, political parties are now able to convene and make preparations for the election that is scheduled for Feb 24.

Presented with the new Constitution and organic laws, parties will have to amend their char- ter to align with the new rules.

Party executives such as the leader, secretary-general, treasurer and registrar would also be chosen anew.

The order permits parties to organise those necessities and directs that they should be done before the organic law becomes effective in December.

The order also allows parties to set up branches outside Bangkok and open new membership applications in addition to participating in the drawing of electoral boundaries process and other activities specified by the ruling National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO).

Primary voting, demanded by the Constitution to ensure better participation, is being adjusted under the junta order.

The order also allows communication via electronic means, but states clearly that any form of political campaign will not be tolerated, and if it affects social peace and order the NCPO has the power to disallow it at any time.