Thai Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha recently affirmed that the military government will gradually lift the ban on political party gatherings ahead of the general election in the end of 2018.

Thai Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha (Photo: AFP/VNA)

Speaking to the press after a cabinet meeting, Prayuth Chan-ocha stated that he will remove the ban when everything is ready.

The government is seeking ways to ensure equality among new and old parties, he said, adding that allowing the parties to admit new members and raise funds for political activities will be an initial step.

Earlier, the Thai Prime Minister, who is also Chairman of the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO), affirmed that he would end the ban when there is no political instability.

The Thai junta banned all political parties from meeting after seizing power in 2014. Accordingly, any gathering of more than five has been seen as illegal.

(Source: VNA)