Thailand’s 2019 Election: No “Hold‑ups” on the Horizon
Deputy Premier Cuts Through 4‑Year Delay Talk
But the clock’s still ticking towards Feb. 24. That’s the sweet spot the military‑run government says the election will happen on – Z‑Z‑ZZ. Prawit Wongsuwan, the deputy prime minister, threw a lob‑hand at the rumours that the vote might get pulled back.
Picture this: after a 2014 coup, the army‑led regime has been ticking “Election 2019” on its calendar between February and May. Yet the timing’s been a tug‑of‑war between constitutional paperwork and political chess moves.
When the press asked if the date could slip, Prawit shot back: “Only the chatter comes from outside the government.” He dropped the neat number – February 24 – like a ticket in a deck of cards, but everyone’s leaning to the early part of the year.
Opposition’s Grumble: “It’s a Power Grab.”
- Critics say the military is nudging the election farther to strengthen its grip.
- They accuse the army of saying the date is “ready” while laying out a plan to keep its influence for a long haul.
- Some even suspect the coup leaders are framing the “delay” as a legislative necessity to ensure their political legacy sticks around.
Prime Minister Prayuth’s Grand Plan
The 64‑year‑old, former Army chief, is not a stranger to stepping into the light after a period of darkness. His intention: hand over the crown to a civilian government post‑election — ending four years (and counting) of military rule. The rumor? He’s planning a graceful exit that doesn’t turn the country into a “no‑go” zone.
In short, despite the clamor from opposition parties, the military’s high‑ranking plumars proudly display Election 2019 = Feb. 24. The only fuss left is whether the games will be fair when the day finally arrives.
