PHEU THAI DEMANDS SET ELECTION DATE

>> Two former Pheu Thai Party members called on the government to commit to a future election date.

The former MPs were responding to reports that key figures in the “five rivers”, a term referring to the core organisations running the country, were showing reluctance to commit to an election schedule despite the Election Commission’s assertion that the election will most likely be held next August.

The five rivers constitute the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO), the National Legislative Assembly (NLA), the National Reform Steering Assembly (NRSA), the cabinet and the Constitution Drafting Committee (CDC).

Samart Kaewmeechai, a former Pheu Thai MP for Chiang Rai, said that the election timeline has already been specified in the constitution; therefore, anyone who tries to object to it may have a hidden agenda.

According to the charter, the election should be held no later than next year in case there are delays in drafting the organic laws in the charter that must be passed before the vote is held, he said.

Pholphum Wiphatphumiprathet, a former Pheu Thai MP for Bangkok, said the reluctance to set an election date could be read as an attempt to indefinitely delay the election.

Since Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha has himself said the election will come next year, there should be no delay, he added.

A set election timeline is important for Thailand to move forward, as well as to gain international confidence for trade and investment deals, Mr Pholphum said.