Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha reiterated Monday pre-election talks on the lifting of the political ban would take place after the organic law on the election of MPs takes effect next month.
The premier said he expected the details of the planned dialogue and other activities related to the general election would become clear following the promulgation of all organic laws.
Of all 10 organic laws, the bill on the election of MPs is the last to take effect due to a 90-day waiting period imposed by the National Legislative Assembly (NLA). The bill, which was royally endorsed and published in the Royal Gazette in September, will take effect after Dec 10.
Political parties want the political ban removed so that they can fully engage in activities and prepare for the polls tentatively scheduled for Feb 24 next year.
Currently, public gatherings of more than five people and political campaigning are still prohibited by the National Council for Peace and Order.
Political parties are allowed to conduct limited activities, including conducting a primary vote.
Gen Prayut said the regime will not get involved when asked about political parties trading accusations against each other.
He said the public would be closely observing the upcoming polls, and they would be the judge of it.
Meanwhile, Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwon has instructed authorities to assess the political situation to ensure a violence-free election campaign.
Panitan Wattanayagorn, adviser to Gen Prawit, said the deputy premier is concerned about the situation because political activities are more complex due to the widespread use of technology.
Security officials are told to closely monitor the activities and determine if any of them may pose threats to public order and national security, according to Mr Panitan.
He said there is no sign violence is likely at this stage and security officials will be stepping up surveillance once electioneering is allowed.
All parties concerned will be asked to strictly follow election campaign rules.
"As soon as the election campaign kicks off, authorities will closely observe the situation and step up their operations. This is all for safety and security," he said.
According to Mr Panitan, several international organisations have expressed their interest in sending observers for the general election and some organisations are already in talks with the Election Commission (EC).
Mr Panitan said the EC will consider the requests, and added that the regime's job is to keep peace and order during the elections.
Mr Panitan said poll observers are nothing new but the upcoming general election has generated a lot of international interest because it will be the country's first election in seven years.
"There are several ways to observe the elections. Poll observers are urged to take part as early as the preparation stage, not just on the election day," he said.
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