Military entrenches rule

BANGKOK: Thailand’s parliament yesterday approved national strategy legislation which critics say will ensure the military has a say in the country’s politics for at least 20 years, long after a general election tentatively set for next year.

The military seized power in a May 2014 coup it said was necessary to end months of widespread unrest, including street protests, aimed at ousting a populist, civilian government.

Since then, the junta has sought to put in place measures, including political reforms, which it says are necessary to bring order to the country before an election can be held in 2018. Reuters