Political parties should be able to engage fully in political activities after an organic law on elections of MPs takes effect, likely in around June next year, the government says.
The announcement came as politicians demanded more details after Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha said on Tuesday that Section 44 would be invoked to allow political parties to complete the processes required by an organic law to prepare for an election.
Government spokesman Lt Gen Sansern Kaewkamnerd said the political ban will be eased to facilitate the setting up of new political parties and allow existing parties to update their membership databases.
The initial relaxation of the ban is expected to be announced next week or before Jan 5 next year, he said.
Lt Gen Sansern added that new parties will be able to register party names and recruit members but they must seek approval from the National Council for Peace and Order to hold a general meeting to select party leaders and executives.
During this period, none of the existing 69 parties are allowed to hold meetings and they are advised to review their memberships and clear up any overlaps.
The political ban should be entirely lifted around June next year when all parties, old and new, can engage fully in political activities, Lt Gen Sansern said.
"This mean all political parties can do their work 150 days ahead of the elections," he said.
The ban cannot be lifted now due to security concerns, he added.
Under the organic law's Jan 5 deadline, parties must also have at least 500 members, finish collecting membership fees from them, register seed funds of no less than 1 million baht, elect party leaders and executives, write a party manifesto and regulations, set up provincial branches and prepare primary-voting procedures.
Deputy Prime Minister Wissanu Krea-ngam said yesterday new parties will be allowed to do only what is necessary and they will have to suspend activities pending a complete lifting of the ban.
He insisted this is not intended to benefit the much-speculated setting-up of a military-backed political party, but to create a level playing field for all.
According to Mr Wissanu, it is likely the deadlines will be extended for 90 days.
"I don't know when the ban will be relaxed but it should be before Jan 5," he said.
Chartthaipattana Party's director Nikorn Chamnong yesterday called on the NCPO to make clear in its impending announcement what is allowed, and make sure it is fair for existing political parties.
Democrat leader Abhisit Vejjajiva echoed Mr Nikorn's concerns, saying the NCPO must set clear rules and ensure political groups and parties have equal opportunities.