Hanoi (VNA) - Registrationfor new political parties in Thailand began on March 2 with the ElectionCommission (EC) noting that 34 groups turned up to register.
Names and logos of the new parties were submittedon the day. Many were political novices with backgrounds in business, civilsociety for academia, plus several farmers, according to the EC.
The EC said those who want to register anew party forthe general election will have until the end of March to do so. The agency has30 days to approve or reject the bids.
Thailand currently has 69 registered politicalparties. Following a coup in 2014 topple the authority of former Prime MinisterYingluck Shinawatra, all political activities have been banned in Thailand.
In preparation for the upcoming general election,the Thai administration has asked new political parties to register for thepoll before holding meetings. Other activities must receive permission from theNational Council for Peace and Order.
According to Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ochathe general election would take place no later than February 2019.-VNA
VNA