Thailand general election to be held next year - PM Prayut

The long-awaited general election will be held next year, with political parties given five months for campaigning, said Prime Minister Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha.

A new government will be formed within two to three months after the general election, he said.

"The election process could start next year after the organic laws necessary for election has been completed," he was quoted by the local media today, adding that political activities in the country remain prohibited.

According to him, there will be royal ceremonies this year such as the cremation for the late King Bhumipol Adulyadej who passed away Oct last year and the coronation for King Maha Vajiralongkorn.

Prayut also urged Thais to respect the new constitution which guaranteed rights and freedom for all.

The countdown for general election has started with the promulgation of the country's new constitution by King Maha Vajiralongkorn last week, following a referendum on the draft constitution last August.

The general election will also see Thailand's return to democracy, almost three years after the military which was led by Prayut himself, then the Army Chief, seized power from civilian rule led by Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra in 2014 coup.

-- BERNAMA