Foreign minister opposed to foreign observers at polls

Foreign minister opposed to foreign observers at polls

Foreign Minister Don Pramudwinai (file photo)
Foreign Minister Don Pramudwinai (file photo)

Foreign Minister Don Pramudwinai is opposed to international organisations observing the general election next year, saying it would suggest Thailand has voting problems.

He was responding on Tuesday to reports that some international organisations had sought permission from the Election Commission to observe the polls next year.

Mr Don said the requests were normal, but the presence of foreign observers would suggest that Thailand had electoral problems.

Thailand had capably organised smooth elections and referendums in the past without having to seek help from a foreign party, he said.

The local people themselves would be the best election observers, and their participation would be beneficial to the country.

He also said that staff at foreign embassies based in Thailand already paid close attention to the coming general election.

The military rulers have tentatively Feb 24 next year for citizens to go the polls and elect a new government.

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