Thailand: Military chief warns pro-election groups

By Riyaz ul Khaliq

ANKARA (AA) - Amid mounting pressure on the ruling military junta to set a date for general elections in Thailand, the chief of the country's powerful army has warned pro-democracy activists of "not crossing the line".

The warning comes as the country saw Sunday biggest pro-democracy protests in years where demonstrators urged the junta not to delay the long-postponed elections -- set for February 24 -- once again.

The elections are overdue in Thailand since 2014 when Royal Thai Army launched the coup. The military is ruling the Buddhist-majority country since then.

"You've imposed a deadline for others to meet your demands. So, you should also draw the line on your own actions and don't step over that line," said Gen. Apirat Kongsompong, Thai army chief and the leader of the military junta.

Apirat's remarks followed a proposed rally Saturday called by a major activist group at Bangkok's Democracy Monument, the Bangkok Post reported.

It will be fifth time if elections are delayed by the junta. The 2014 bloodless coup was 12th since the country's first coup in 1932.

"My only worry is about trade and tourism being affected by the protests,” Apirat said.

"Do not cross the line. Political groups can do their job. The security forces will also do their job. This is how the system works.” The Nation media group quoted Apirat as saying.

The ban on political gatherings was lifted late 2018, however, police and other security agencies are keeping a close watch on the activists. Even the use of amplifiers at a public place requires permission from police.