BANGKOK: Thailand’s prime minister has said his military government will hold elections only after a coronation ceremony for the new Thai king takes place, casting fresh doubt on promises the polls will be held by February next year.
The ruling junta seized power from an elected government in May 2014 and has repeatedly pushed back promised dates for holding new polls. Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha told reporters Tuesday that his government is making preparations for the coronation of King Maha Vajiralongkorn Bodindradebayavarangkun, mentioning — apparently for the first time in public — that the election will take place only after the ceremony.
No date has been set for the coronation, bringing the timing of the polls into question. Vajiralongkorn assumed the throne after the death of his father in 2016.
Coronation plans threaten Thai election schedule
