Prime Minister says mourning period won’t impact roadmap toward elections

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha pledged that the one-year mourning period for King Bhumibol Adulyadej would not affect progress on the roadmap leading toward national elections planned for late next year.

Government Spokesman Sansern Kaewkamnerd also said the government is “holding firm to its road map for the next general election, and the country’s administration is not operating in a vacuum.” As usual, the Cabinet held its weekly meeting on Tuesday and conducted state business.

“The prime minister conveyed a message for all government agencies, despite being in grief, not to forget to perform their duties. We can be sad, but we can’t afford to lose our love for the country,” Sansern said.

Deputy Prime Minister Wissanu Krea-ngam, who is regarded as the government’s legal expert, also assured that there would not be any problem sticking to the roadmap and holding elections for a new government. The National Legislative Assembly would continue to meet and pass laws. The Assembly is currently passing organic laws to support provisions in the new constitution so that new electoral and governing systems can be put in place as smoothly as possible.

Sansern also stressed that the government and its agencies would continue to promote trade and investment with international partners.