The issue of human rights has largely flown under the radar for the 81 parties contesting the Thai general election this Sunday.Freedom of expression, peaceful assembly and press freedom has deteriorated in Thailand since the military junta led by Prayut Chan-o-cha took over in 2014 and started the longest period of army rule in modern Thai history.
Thailand’s Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-o-cha said his military government is committed to holding an election early next year, and that he may clarify his political future in September.The pending coronation of King Maha Vajiralongkorn won’t affect the plan for a poll possibly in February, Prayuth said in an interview.
There’s a new party in town that has got everyone excited. Launched last week, the Anakhot Thai or the Future Forward Party is the latest party to enter the Thai political arena. This new party which aims to breathe a breath of fresh air into Thai politics is led by 39-year-old business tycoon, Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit. Thanathorn is the executive vice president and director at Thai Summit Group, one of the largest auto parts manufacturers in Thailand.
At the end of January 2017, Thailand’s military junta announced that general elections could be delayed until early 2019. The announcement sparked anger from the public as protests occurred within days of the announcement. Ever since then there has been various protests held by activists against the military junta urging them to keep their promise of holding general elections in November 2018.Under the current military junta, public gatherings of more than four people are prohibited.
