The first local elections, most probably involving provincial administrative organisations (PAOs), will be held in the middle of December, Deputy Prime Minister Wissanu Krea-ngam said yesterday.
It was the first time the government has narrowed down possible dates for local elections, which have been put on hold since the military coup in May 2014.
Mr Wissanu said yesterday the most ideal date is either Dec 13 or Dec 20.
Other Sundays that month will not be suitable for elections as Dec 6 is a long weekend and is too close to Dec 10, the date in which the country commemorates the birthday of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej The Great.
Dec 27 is also barely a week from New Year, when most people would rather celebrate than go to the polls.
Mr Wissanu said Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha has made it the government's policy to organise at least one type of local election before the year ends. Local polls are held to elect members and heads of the PAOs and the tambon administrative organisations (TAOs). There are also elections to select the governor or leader of special administrative areas such as Bangkok and Pattaya.