May urges PM to lift party curbs

May urges PM to lift party curbs

End the ban to ensure fair elections, she says

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha got a warm smile and handshake from British leader Theresa May at 10 Downing Street, but there was no red carpet and Ms May urged the immediate lifting of the ban on political activity.
Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha got a warm smile and handshake from British leader Theresa May at 10 Downing Street, but there was no red carpet and Ms May urged the immediate lifting of the ban on political activity.

British Prime Minister Theresa May has urged Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha to lift restrictions on political parties and steer Thailand towards free and open elections.

Gen Prayut, who is on an official visit to London, said the general election will take place early next year following the coronation of His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn Bodindradebayavarangkun.

"Regarding the political development towards democracy in Thailand, I assure you the election will be held early next year because organic laws are being passed. However, we also have another important mission to prepare for which is the coronation of King Rama X," Gen Prayut told the British PM at her official residence and office at 10 Downing Street in London on Wednesday.

The British PM replied: "I welcome the progress that has been made towards holding elections in Thailand early in 2019. And I hope the restrictions on parties can be lifted so the election can be fully free and open."

The British PM also said she looks forward to a vigorous strategic partnership with Thailand on issues of mutual interest such as trade, investment, and international security challenges, a Downing Street spokesman said.

The British premier emphasised cooperation was needed in the effort to tackle modern slavery, the illegal wildlife trade, and violent extremism, enhance cyber security and strengthening the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons, according to the British Prime Minister's Office.

Gen Prayut also praised Ms May for her role in negotiating Brexit in the UK's best interests and said he supported the transition and that Thailand aims to help align the so-called Global British policy and the Thailand 4.0 policy to foster cooperation between the countries.

Thai government deputy spokesman Werachon Sukondhapatipak said the two countries will initiate a Thailand-UK FTA negotiation. Ms May emphasised the long-standing relationship between Thailand and the UK.

The UK is Thailand's 19th largest trading partner. Prior to Brexit, negotiations for an EU-Thailand FTA were launched in March 2013 but later put on halt after the military takeover in May 2014, with EU demanding a return to democracy.

Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwon on Thursday confirmed pre-election talks with parties will take place at the Army Club on Vibhavadi Rangsit Road on Monday.

The Prime Minister's Office then handed out invitations asking parties to attend the meeting from 2-4pm. The invitation was signed by Gen Prawit, who also serves as deputy leader of the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO).

Gen Prawit will chair the meeting and Deputy Prime Minister Wissanu Krea-ngam and Election Commission (EC) chairman Supachai Somcharoen will also be present. Each party can send no more than three representatives.

Gen Prawit said Mr Wissanu will disclose the results of the discussion after the meeting. He expected to hear the needs of parties as they embark on preparations for the election.

The meeting would not touch on security issues and would focus on a relaxation of the ban on political activities.

He said information from the discussion will be presented to Gen Prayut who will chair another round of talks with parties which will take place after the organic bill on the election of MPs is published in the Royal Gazette.

The bill is awaiting royal endorsement. The bill will not go into effect until 90 days after it is endorsed by the King and published in the Royal Gazette.

Gen Prawit shrugged off Pheu Thai and Future Forward's refusal to join the talks, saying the absence of the parties will not have any effect. Most parties still have shown an interest in attending.

Future Forward Party leader Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit said the party will not send representatives to the discussion. He said the power to set an election date and election rules rests with the government and the NCPO anyway.

Former prime minister and key Pheu Thai figure Somchai Wongsawat said Pheu Thai acting secretary-general Phumtham Wechayachai had previously confirmed the party would not attend.

Mr Phumtham said Pheu Thai would join the talks if it was invited by the EC.

But the party would not accept an invitation from the government.

Democrat Party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva said he he has assigned his deputy Jurin Laksanavisit and party director Sutham Rahong to attend. Chartthaipattana Party director Nikorn Chamnong said that he, party leader adviser Varawut Silpa-archa and former MP Paradorn Prissananantakul will represent the party.

Do you like the content of this article?
COMMENT (108)