Ban on political activities lifted

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, centre, meets representatives of political parties in Bangkok last Friday to set down the rules in the lead-up to the general election. On Tuesday he lifted the junta's ban on political activities. (File photo)

The National Council for Peace and Order on Tuesday lifted its prohibition on political gatherings and support for political activities, but this will have no affect on the prosecution of earlier violators of the ban.

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, in his capacity as NCPO chief, issued the order as the MP election law earlier published in the Royal Gazette took effect.

Gen Prayut's announcement said that as the royal decree on the general election was approaching, people should have freedom to decide which parties they want to administer the nation, and political parties should be able to campaign for votes and present their policies to the public.

"Political parties should be able to campaign to present their policies," the order, also published in the Royal Gazette, said.

The NCPO had "decided to amend or abolish the laws" which could inhibit campaigns before elections.

Restrictions began to be eased in September, allowing political parties to recruit new members and elect leaders. But campaigns and street rallies remained banned.

Tuesday's order raises the prospect of a return to street rallies that have defined much of the turbulent last decade of Thai politics before the coup in 2014.

However, laws already in place stipulate police will need to be informed of any political gatherings 24 hours in advance.

Nat Laoseesawakul, deputy secretary-general of the Election Commission, said on Tuesday the EC had passed a resolution to hold the elections on Feb 24, and it would keep to that schedule if the cabinet announced a royal decree setting the date by Jan 4.

He anticipated the EC would accept applications from candidates from Jan 14 to 18.

The office of the EC would propose two designs for the ballot papers to the commissioners by Friday. One would show only numbers and the other would include the logos of the political parties, Mr Nat said.