Many politicians are taking a Songkran holiday break to gather their strength as they gird for a battle ahead to lift the government's political ban and reconnect with their constituents in the lead up to the next election.
A Pheu Thai Party source said its members were staying put locally to enjoy the holiday. None of them had plans to meet former premier Thaksin Shinawatra overseas to seek his Songkran blessings. Likewise, Democrat Party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva said he too preferred to relax during the festival.
The Pheu Thai member in the Northeast said no trips had been arranged for party politicians to head to Dubai where Thaksin and his former prime minister sister, Yingluck Shinawatra, are believed to be staying. The politicians would rather celebrate the festival with people in their constituencies, the source said.
Though the National Council for Peace and order (NCPO) has not lifted its political activity ban, the former Pheu Thai MPs felt it was their "duty" to meet constituents and reconnect with them.
The source added that only Thaksin's family and relatives were likely to visit the former prime minister in Dubai at this time.
However, there was the chance that some politicians might meet Thaksin after the Songkran festival ends early next week.
Both Thaksin, who escaped a two-year jail term in the Ratchadaphisek land deal, and Yingluck, who fled the country before being sentenced in absentia to five years in prison over the rice-pledging scheme, have no travel plans during Songkran, the source said.
Despite politicians taking it easy this weekend, they are also making plans and saving energy for the political struggle ahead.
Acting Pheu Thai secretary-general Phumtham Wechayachai said he was taking the opportunity to "contemplate and brace for upcoming challenges".
He said he has no idea what the military regime will do in the lead-up to next year's election.
The Pheu Thai and Democrat parties have asked the charter court to consider the NCPO's order requiring parties to validate membership databases. They claim the process is tedious, time-consuming and that they have only until the end of the month to do it.
The parties insist the order is unfair and adds unnecessary burden in terms of cost and the complicated validation process. The regime has also refused to lift its political activities ban.
Meanwhile, Chartthaipattana Party key figure Varawut Silpa-archa also said he will celebrate Songkran festival with local people in the party stronghold of Suphan Buri.
"It's a job and duty we must devote ourselves to as would-be politicians preparing for the next poll," he said.
