Prayut says election to be held after Coronation ceremony

The government is making preparations for the Coronation of HM King Maha Vajiralongkorn and the election will be held after the completion of this important ceremony, said Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha on Tuesday.

Speaking after the cabinet meeting, the prime minister stressed that the Coronation ceremony is an important event for the Thai people and he didn’t want some people to accuse him of using the event as an excuse to delay the election which, he said, would proceed in accordance with democratic path.

The prime minister is due to leave for visits of England and France during June 20-25 during which he will make clarifications about the election roadmap.

Deputy Prime Minister Wisanu Krea-ngam, meanwhile, said that it is still not definite when the Coronation ceremony will be held, noting that it will depend on the discretion of HM the King.

Regarding the election roadmap, he said details about the issue would be made available at a meeting between the government and political parties.

Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwan had been assigned by the prime minister to meet with representatives of political parties and relevant agencies regarding the election tentatively next week at a venue yet to be announced.