Thai protests mount over possible election delay

Demonstrators rallied across Thailand on Tuesday to protest a possible postponement by the military-led government of the country's general elections.

 

Students and other activists gathered in the capital Bangkok, Chiang Mai and three other cities to protest the government's delay in announcing the elections.


Thailand's military-led interim government said last week that it was considering delaying elections planned for February to hand over power to a civilian administration. 

 

The military has led the country since a coup in 2014.


On Tuesday, interim Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha responded to reporters' questions about the voting schedule. He said the king has yet to give his approval.


The government has suggested that it may delay the elections to avoid a conflict with an upcoming royal coronation.

 

In Bangkok, about 200 students marched outside a train station, chanting slogans and banging on drums.


The interim government has repeatedly postponed elections in the past.

 

NHK