A group of protesters demanded yesterday that the military government proceed with the election and threatened to hold another protest if the official poll date is not announced soon.
The protest -- held at a skywalk near the Victory Monument BTS station -- was attended by at least 150 people who want the military regime to stop its involvement in government and hold an election no later than Feb 24. The group, which was monitored closely by police officers, said that if their demands are not met they will hold further gatherings.
Protesters carried signs that read "Election of Feb 24" and "Don't postpone" as they walked around Victory Monument. There were no attempts by the police to stop and/or arrest the activists. Well-known anti-junta activists, such as Rangsiman Rome, Parit Chiwarak, Nuttaa Mahattana and the Future Forward Party's secretary-general Piyabutr Saengkanokkul, were reported to be among the rally participants.
The group's leader, Sirawith Serithiwat, said that if the Election Commission (EC) does not announce an official poll date soon, the group will organise another protest on Jan 8 at Ratchaprasong intersection.
"The election must be held on Feb 24. Don't delay it any further," he said.
Mr Piyabutr said the military government's excuse of putting off the poll so it does not clash with His Majesty the King's coronation ceremony and other related events before and after the three-day coronation period is not acceptable.
He said the current undemocratic government should not take part in the coronation ceremony at all, and it should allow a new government to assume its duties.
Meanwhile, former finance minister in the Thaksin government Surapong Suebwonglee yesterday also wrote on his Facebook page that if the election date is postponed from Feb 24 to Mar 24 as reported by the media, it may cause legal complications that could lead to the poll being nullified.
Dr Surapong said as outlined in the constitution, the election must be held within 150 days of the organic law governing the election of MPs coming into effect. However, it is unclear whether this means the ballots must be cast within the 150-day period, or if the entire election process must be completed within the period.
He said if the poll takes place on March 24, the results may be announced later than the 150-day deadline, which could lead to the poll being nullified.
In a separate occasion, former street protest leader Suthep Thaugsuban yesterday led the Action Coalition for Thailand (ACT) Party to "pay respects to the land" in Khon Kaen in a bid to recruit more party members.
Mr Suthep said the ACT will not nominate a prime ministerial candidate in the upcoming election as it is a small party which has only slim chance of leading the next government.
"If we win more than 250 House seats, we might consider nominating a candidate," he said.
"However, we guarantee that ACT will only support a good person to be the country's prime minister."
