Govt sets party talks for early next week

The pre-election talks with political parties are expected to take place early next week, Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwon said yesterday.

While confirming the dialogue will proceed before Prime Minister Prayut Chano-cha returns from official visits to Britain and France, Gen Prawit refused to reveal the venue or the exact date and time of the planned meeting.

The prime minister is visiting the two European countries and is scheduled to return on June 26.

Gen Prawit said the pre-poll discussion will include Deputy Prime Minister Wissanu Krea-ngam and the Election Commission (EC).

The deputy prime minister said he expected to hear the wants and needs of the political parties as they embark on preparations for the election which is likely to take place in February next year.

“And if they have questions, we’ll try our best to answer them. Those that we can’t answer right away, we will bring them to the prime minister’s attention so he can address them later,” he said.

He said the government has just handed out invitations to political parties and, as far as he knows, most have shown an interest in attending the meeting.

Gen Prawit insisted the meeting would not touch on security issues and would focus on a relaxation of the ban on political activities.

Speculation has grown that political parties would be asked to avoid stirring tensions after Gen Prayut said on Tuesday that His Majesty the King’s coronation would take place before the planned election. He added peace and order were the priority as the government was preparing for the ceremony.

Deputy Prime Minister Gen Chatchai Sarikulya said yesterday the planned meeting may take place on Monday or Tuesday and the EC is coordinating with political parties in arranging the date.

He said several venues are being considered, including the Defence Ministry.

Meanwhile, a Pheu Thai Party source said yesterday at least three more party members, all former MPs, are being approached to join a military-backed political party.

The targets are Wirat Rattanaseth, Thassaneeya Rattanaseth and Athirat Rattanaseth, who represented the northeastern province of Nakhon Ratchasima, the source said, adding it is highly likely they may jump ship.

All three have close affiliations with Preecha Rengsomboonsuk, a former Pheu Thai MP for Loei who has reportedly formed an alliance with key government figures, according to the source.

If they agree to defect, Pheu Thai will have a tough time winning seats in Nakhon Ratchasima, said the source.