BANGKOK, Jan 3 (TNA) – The Thai government and the
Election Commission (EC) have discussed possible postponement of the upcoming
election to avoid disruptions to the coronation ceremonies set for May 4-6.
However, Deputy Prime Minister Wissanu Krea-ngam insisted
that the election must be held before May 9 as constitutionally required.
Wissanu told reporters before holding talks with EC members
on Thursday, one day before a royal decree on election date was expected.
He said there would be many activities related to the
coronation ceremonies prior to and after May 4-6, therefore, the government
needed to ensure that the election would not affect them.
Wissanu said he would inform the EC the procedures and preparations
of the coronation ceremony. The
government would organize the ceremony in accordance to the royal tradition and
there would be a process to prepare for the ceremony and some activities were
to follow afterward, said Wissanu.
The EC would set the new date with all possibilities
considered, Wissanu said.
Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha government had suggested
the general election was planned for February 24. On Tuesday, the Royal Household Bureau
announced the coronation ceremonies of King Maha Vajiralongkorn would be held
between May 4 and 6.
The coronation will be on May 4 followed by a royal parade
on May 5 and a King’s public appearance on May 6. But Wissanu said other related activities
would take place in a span of 75 days that could be overlapped by political
ones. (TNA)
