Thailand sets general election for May 7, if all goes well

In eight months, Thailand will go to polls to choose the country’s next government – if everything goes as planned. 

The Election Commission yesterday announced that May 7 would be the date for the next general election. People will go to polls on that date if the parliament is not dissolved and can complete its four-year term on March 23.

The constitution specifies that a general election must take place within 45 days of the House of Representatives finishing its term. The military is still expected to hold all the cards when it comes to choosing a prime minister, as granted under the junta-backed constitution of 2017. Attempts to rein in the power of the 250 military-appointed senators have failed.

Candidates can register April 3 through April 7. Those who cannot cast a ballot in their constituencies on May 7 can vote in advance on April 30.

If the…