Thai army chief warns against post-election protests
Hanoi (VNA) – Thailand’s army chief on April 2 warned the military will oppose any action that threatens the country’s system of constitutional monarchy after the election.
Speaking
at a news conference, General Apirat Kongsompong said the military would remain
neutral in the election.
He
stressed the duty of Thai army
is to protect, maintain and defend the institutions of nation, religion and
monarchy.
At the same time, Gen
Apirat said the military would not allow a repeat of past mass street
demonstrations. He told reporters that regardless
of the election’s results, all sides must settle their differences in
parliament.
The Election Commission (EC) of Thailand has yet to announce final results of the general election. The results will not be approved until May 9 as relevant agencies need time to handle official complaints, of which there are 186 thus far, said the EC.
The general election in
Thailand took place on March 24 with more than 50 million people eligible to
cast votes.
A total of 81 parties competed in the election,
with thousands of candidates vying for 350 constituencies. The other 150
members of the House of Representatives will be elected from national party
lists under a proportional representation system. -VNA