The general election, provisionally set for 24 February 2019, is most likely to be delayed to avoid conflicting with the coronation ceremony, says Deputy Prime Minister Wissanu Krea-ngam. 

Basically, ordinary people might love to have the right to choose their own representatives to sit in the top jobs in the country. Therefore, elections matter. It is strange to see a certain group of people in Thailand has come out to show their resolve against elections, on the ground that the poll might not bring ‘good’ people into governance.    While an election would not bring good people or even democracy to the politics, authoritarians in Southeast Asia indeed need elections to justify their governance.

The junta has file charges against seven pro-democracy activists for criminal sedition and violating the junta’s public assembly ban after the seven held a symbolic activity calling for elections last weekend.   On 30 January 2018, the junta has ordered seven of the most prominent pro-democracy activists charged with crimes including sedition after they launched a protest campaign calling for general elections to be held in November.   Read more at

After raising hopes, the junta head will not be lifting the ban on political activities even though the royal cremation is over, explaining that the timing remains inappropriate.    Junta leader Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha told the media today that the ban on political activity will remain in place to ensure social order and stability. He stated once again that the junta will revoke the ban when the proper time comes.   “I ask you to trust me. I myself am aware and thinking about this issue.

The general who led the 2006 coup has called on the current junta to stick to the election roadmap. On 1 October 2017, Gen Sonthi Boonyaratglin, the leader of the 2006 coup, invited top military leaders to his 71st birthday celebration at his residence at the 11th Infantry Regiment King’s Guard in Bangkok, the Thai News Agency reported.