BANGKOK 15 May 2014 — Election Commissioner Somchai Srisuthiyakorn has stated that he expects elections to take place on August 3, 2014 if all goes as planned.
According to Somchai, he will meet with the current caretaker government to discuss the current political issue and the upcoming election, adding that the topics include the governing rights of the caretaker government and details of the royal decree daft.
If talks proceed smoothly with the caretaker government, Thailand should see the next election on August 3, 2014. To hold the election on July 20 as earlier proposed by the EC itself would seems too rushed, and would disturb His Majesty the King in regard to the royal endorsement needed to confirm the results of the election, Somchai said.
Representatives from the caretaker government that Mr. Somchai expects to talk to include Niwatthamrong Boonsongpaisan, Phongthep Thepkanjana, Warathep Rattanakorn, and Chaikasem Nitisiri.
Should the People’s Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC) wish to voice their opinions and discuss the matter with the Election Commission, Mr. Somchai said that would depend on the circumstances and who would speak for the PDRC.
