The general election scheduled for Feb 2 could be postponed under Section 187 of the constitution, according to Jade Donavanik, dean of the Graduate School of Law at Siam University.
Protesters from the People's Democratic Reform Committee and the Network of Students and People for Reform of Thailand are calling for the election to be postponed to allow for true political reform in the country. The government insists the election date cannot be moved, given that a royal decree has been issued for the polls.
Mr Jade said the election was called with a royal decree under Section 108 of the constitution, but Section 187 could be used to postpone it to a later date if all parties concerned agree there may be problems with holding it on Feb 2.
Mr Jade said he personally believes the election should be postponed by another royal decree under Section 187 of the constitution.
The academic said people should tick the "no vote" box on their voting ballot if the election goes ahead. This would teach political parties that they must field candidates who can truly serve as representatives of the people, he added.