PM denies rumours of Parliament dissolution after Apec Summit
Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-o-cha on Tuesday denied rumours that the government would dissolve Parliament after fulfilling its duties of hosting the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) Summit in Bangkok on November 18-19.
During a press interview after a Cabinet meeting on Tuesday, Prayut said the government has no plan regarding Parliament dissolution. He said he had no idea from where the rumuors had originated.
One rumour on Parliament dissolution pointed to the conclusion of Apec Summit, while another hinted at December 24.
The House of Representatives’ four-year term will end on March 23 next year. The Election Commission has tentatively set May 7, 2023, as the date of the next general election, if Parliament was not dissolved before the end of the term.
When asked about the broadcasting rights of Fifa World Cup 2022 that is currently under negotiation, the premier said he is “positive” the telecast would be available for free in Thailand.
The Sports Authority of Thailand said last month that it would buy the licence for live broadcasts of the World Cup if private broadcasters fail to secure the rights, to ensure viewers in Thailand can watch the matches for free.
The World Cup is scheduled to take place in Qatar from November 21 to December 18.
