General election to be held in early 2019: PM

BANGKOK, May 22 (TNA) – Prime Minister Gen Prayut Prayut Chan-ocha reiterated that a general election will be held early next year and no sooner as pro-election demonstrators are gathering in Bangkok. Gen Prayut also said protesters can exercise their rights to express their opinions but they must not violate the law. ​Hundreds of protesters have camped out at Thammasat University since last night, planning to march to Government House but they have been blocked by the police. Meanwhile, another group of demonstrators are gathering outside the UN regional headquarters on Rajdamnern Nok Avenue, hoping to march to Government House. They demand that the military government hold a general election in November this year. Police erected barricades and formed lines at Makkhawan Rangsan Bridge to block protesters from heading Government House. So far, there has been no violence. Today, (May 22) is the fourth anniversary of a bloodless coup that toppled elected government in 2014. (TNA)