Bangkok (VNA) – Thai Deputy Prime Minister Wissanu Kreangam has stated thatMarch 24 will be the best time for Thailand’s general election as an earlierdate will not give enough time for parties to launch their campaigns.

Meetinglocal media on January 17, Wissanu said that the other dates proposed – March 3, 10, or 17 – were not as convenient as March24.A royal decree for the nationwide election will be issued next week.

Heexplained that if election takes place on March 24, the Election Commission (EC)will have 45-47 days to recognise the election results before the due date ofMay 9, thus not affecting the coronation ceremony of King Rama X.

Wissanu said it is entirely up to theelection commissioners to decide when the election will be held.

Under the rule, the EC is authorisedto decide the date of the election, but the Government bears the responsibilityof announcing the event and submitting it to the royal family for approval.

The EC is supposed to decide the datein five days after a royal decree is posted in the Royal Gazette.

The polling agency is scheduled toorganise the election within 150 days after the law pertaining to the electionwas promulgated, meaning the latest possible date for the election is May 9, hesaid. –VNA