Political parties have welcomed recent remarks by Prime Minister Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha in which he said the regime will meet them and various state agencies to sound out an appropriate election date.
Democrat leader Abhisit Vejjajiva said Monday the move would provide more clarity regarding the poll date, which would make it possible for agencies concerned to work out exactly when the election will be held.
If the poll date can be determined, it would be a boost to public confidence and the credibility of the country, he said.
Mr Abhisit also said the prime minister should also meet parties to discuss the ongoing ban on political activities.
If he can say when the ban is to be lifted, parties would know how to proceed in preparing for the polls, the former prime minister said.
But no "legal stunt" should be pulled, the Democrat leader said. He was understood to be referring to allegations the National Legislative Assembly (NLA) came under orders to change the organic bill on the election of MPs which resulted in the deadline for holding the next general election being postponed from November to February next year.
"Would the National Council for Peace and Order [NCPO] leader be able to confirm there will no more such [stunts]?" Mr Abhisit said.
Meanwhile, Bhumjaithai deputy secretary-general Supachai Jaisamut also welcomed the prime minister's remarks on Friday expressing his desire to hold talks on the election date, which he said was the main focus of public attention, here and overseas.
He said the party leader is likely to join any such talks.
Key Chartthaipattana Party figure, Varawut Silpa-archa, said the talks proposal was a good sign and allows a free expression of views to be exchanged.
His party will be glad to participate in the process, he said.
Acting Pheu Thai Party secretary-general, Chawalit Wichayasut's response was more guarded, saying the party would decide at a later date whether to participate in the talks, if and when it receives the prime minister's invitation to discuss the election.
The Election Commission (EC) is duty-bound to organise the polls, and the government must do its part, he said.
"Political parties have long been prepared for the election as we want the country to be seen by the international community as returning to democracy," Mr Chawalit said.
Speaking during his weekly televised address on Friday, Gen Prayut said the organic bills on the election of MPs and selection of senators are under review by a joint committee of the NLA, the EC and the Constitution Drafting Committee (CDC).
The prime minister said after the organic bill on the election of MPs comes into force -- 90 days after it is published in the Royal Gazette -- an election could take place on any date within the subsequent 150 days, depending on the readiness of those involved including political parties and the EC.
He said the cabinet will ask the NCPO to call a meeting of concerned parties to decide an appropriate date.
Concerns over another election date delay have grown after the NLA last week voted down all seven shortlisted election commissioner candidates. Two were picked by the Supreme Court and the rest by a selection committee.
Meanwhile, Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwon said the NCPO has not yet discussed lifting the political activity ban.
He was responding to rumours the ban would be lifted soon as people will be allowed to register new parties from Thursday.
