BANGKOK, Dec 30 – Caretaker Minister to the PM’s Office Varathep Ratanakorn said the majority of the Thai people will oppose ongoing attempts to disrupt the February 2 general elections.
He was referring to obstructions against election registrations in a number of provinces, particularly in Thailand’s South – the stronghold of the opposition Democrat Party.
The Democrats have announced a boycott of the election.
He charged the Democrats with lying, that they have abandoned their promise not to disrupt the elections.
The minister said the Democrat Party, Thailand’s oldest political grouping, had made a mistake in deciding not to run the snap elections, insisting that the government will proceed with the polls and giving assurances that it the election process will be carried out smoothly.
Opponents who continue creating unrest and damage should stop breaking the law and cease obstructing the elections for the sake of the country, said Mr Varathep.
He said anti-election activities are allowed under the democratic system but they must not affect other people’s rights or result in violence.
He extended moral support to the Election Commission and election officials in organising the elections nationwide.
