The Election Commission has confirmed that a general election will be held in Thailand on May 14. This follows the dissolution of the House of Representatives by PM Prayut Chan-o-cha on Monday. The Election Commission made its announcement yesterday, with early voting to begin May 7.
The last Thai election was held on March 23, 2019.
According to a Phuket Express report, there will almost certainly be an alcohol ban, with bars and nightlife venues having to close for a 24-hour period from the evening prior to the election day until polling closes. There may also be an alcohol-sales ban and nightlife closure during early voting, but this has yet to be confirmed.
Meanwhile, PM Prayut Chan-o-cha has joined the newly-formed United Thai Nation Party and is expected to run as a prime ministerial candidate. However, if successful, a ruling by the Constitutional Court last year means he would only be entitled to serve up to 2025.
The major political parties are now busy campaigning, with the opposition Pheu Thai party expected to do well at the ballot box.
