Thai PM confirms February election during visit to UK

by Vipaporn Pooritanasarn

Thai PM General Prayut Chan-ocha has confirmed the the country will hold a general election early next year along with readiness to strengthen trade ties with England.

He’s made the statement during his visit to the UK this week. General Prayut had talks with Speaker of the House of Lords, Lord Fowler about promoting trading opportunities between the two countries through the so-called Global British policy and the Thailand 4.0 policy, with the Thai – UK Business Leadership Council playing a key role in the matter.

At the start of last week the PM alluded to the imminent coronation of HM King Maha Vajiralongkorn and possibility that a coronation event may push the deadline for an election forward. His statements to the UK media suggest he does not see the important national event impeding the roadmap of the Government to hold an election at the start of next year.

With regard to Thailand’s political situation, Gen Prayut confirmed that the general election would be held in February next year and local elections might take place three months after the general election.

The Prime Minister also had the opportunity to meet Thai people in London and thanked those who offered moral support to him. Thailand’s prime minister said he was not angry with those who oppose him, adding he came to the UK for the country’s sake.

But the General had to cut short his meeting with Thai expats due to a terror warning from security officers. The Royal Thai Embassy in London announced the warning affecting Thai people and advised them to exercise caution when returning home.

Original source HERE.