Thailand: Unrest on cards if political ban eased

• The military will enforce strict security measures in Bangkok in Sep 18 to prevent any disturbances as the regime is expected to ease long-held restrictions on political activities.
• Army chief Chalermchai Sittisad said on 24 Aug 18 the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) is likely to at least partially lift the ban on political parties in Sep 18 so political groups and parties can re-engage in politics.
• As such, the Peace and Order Maintaining Force must be on standby around the clock, Gen Chalermchai said during a visit to the army’s Air Defence Command in Bangkok’s Don Muang district.
• Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha said the NCPO will meet on 28 Aug 18 to consider easing the ban. Details will be provided later by Deputy Prime Minister Wissanu Krea-ngam, who oversees legal affairs, Gen Prayut added.
• Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha will invoke Section 44 to partially lift the ban on political activities, paving the way for parties to resume their activities, Deputy Prime Minister Wissanu Krea-ngam said on 23 Aug 18, with a decision likely “soon”.
• Democrat Party deputy leader Nipit Intarasombat called on the NCPO to make clear what activities parties will be allowed to carry out without breaking the law.
• Key Pheu Thai figure Chaturon Chaisang said the NCPO meeting on 28 Aug 18 will only allow parties to “walk” rather than practice “running” even though the race will take place relatively soon.
• He said a partial lifting of the political ban would not be good enough to give all political parties a fair chance.
• Jade Donavanik, an adviser to the Constitution Drafting Committee, said that since the organic law on political parties has taken effect, the political ban should be totally lifted so parties can prepare for the poll.
• He said there was no real need to wait for the bill on the election of MPs to be enacted.

External Link: https://www.bangkokpost.com/news/politics/1527210/govt-renews-talk-of-lifting-political-ban

External Link: https://www.bangkokpost.com/news/politics/1527898/unrest-on-cards-if-political-ban-eased