Thailand: General elections to be held March 24 /update 4

Event

The Election Commission of Thailand has announced that general elections will be held on March 24. The poll will mark the first national election held in the country since a 2014 coup ousted the civilian government of Yingluck Shinawatra. The political parties now have until March 23 to campaign. In December 2018, the military lifted a ban on political campaigning in place since 2014. Associated political protests and demonstrations are possible in Thailand over the coming weeks.

Context

The military government (National Council for Peace and Order [NCPO]) delayed the election several times for various reasons after overthrowing Yingluck's government in 2014, citing the need for peace and order after months of street protests. In April 2017, a new constitution drafted by the NCPO was promulgated, deciding, among other stipulations, that the NCPO will come to an end when a cabinet established after the first general election under this constitution takes office.

Thailand has been ruled by a military junta since a coup in 2014 ousted the civilian government. The military announced plans for general elections in December 2018 following the lifting of a ban on political organizing and political assembly and campaigning.

Advice

Individuals present in Thailand are advised to monitor developments to the situation, avoid all protests and demonstrations as a precaution, and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities.