Bangkok (VNA) – A general election in Thailandcould only be held 19 months after the new constitution, approved by themajority of voters in a referendum last August, took effect, said Thai DeputyPrime Minister Wissanu Krea-ngam.

He said the roadmap to the next election wouldstart counting when the new charter was promulgated.

The draft constitution was submitted for royalendorsement in early November, and King Rama X has 90 days, or until earlyFebruary, to make decision. 

After it comes into force, the 10 organic lawsrequired under the new charter would have to be completed within 240 days. Theorganic laws also need 90 more days for royal endorsement before they could beenacted, the Deputy PM said.

Thailand would enter the election mode after thenew laws were promulgated, he noted, adding that the next election must be heldwithin five months after that.

Earlier, PM Prayut Chan-o-cha said the electionmight be held in early 2018.

Meanwhile, some political parties in Thailandcriticised PM Prayut Chan-o-cha and the junta for changing the roadmap forrestoring democracy, which could delay the election until September 2018.

They said the National Legislative Assembly hadnot been working efficiently and effectively in approving organic laws sincethe draft new constitution was approved.

Samart Kaewmeechai, a former parliament memberof the Pheu Thai party, said the current administration should take anynecessary steps in order to make an election possible.

He said politicians were ready and everythingnow depends on PM Prayut Chan-o-cha and the junta.-VNA