Thai military junta approves lifting ban on political activities

Bangkok : Thailand's ruling military junta on Tuesday approved lifting of the ban on political activities it imposed after taking power in a coup in 2014, paving the way for the 2019 general election.

In an order, the junta set a 90-day deadline to publish a royal decree that would formally lift the ban and set a date for the election, reports Efe news.

The polls have been postponed several times since the coup.

The royal decree will eliminate the ban on political meetings of more than five people and allow political parties to organise public events and resume financial activities for political purposes.

The junta lifted some of the restrictions last year, allowing parties to meet and enroll in the Election Commission.

Thailand has undergone 20 coups, some of them unsuccessful, since its absolute monarchy was abolished in 1932.