BANGKOK, Dec 11 (Agencies): Thailand's military government has lifted a ban on political activities it imposed when it seized power in a coup more than four years ago, an action taken in preparation for elections promised for early next year.
Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha invoked a special executive power on Tuesday to ease several restrictions that were set after the army seized power from an elected government.
The order included the lifting of a ban on political gatherings of more than five people that the ruling junta has used as one of many measures to suppress opponents of its rule.
It also unfreezes the bank accounts of politicians who were targeted for restrictions and allows political parties to begin using funds for campaign purposes in the run-up to polls tentatively scheduled for Feb 24.
The military has always insisted it intends to restore democracy in Thailand.
But the election date has been pushed back repeatedly.
The military took power in Thailand in 2014, overthrowing the government of Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra and the hugely popular Pheu Thai party.
Military leaders said at the time they were restoring order after months of political unrest which had at times turned violent.
They later drew up a new constitution and changes to the electoral system, which were approved by the public in a referendum in 2017.
The constitution effectively ensures that even after the election, the military will remain an influential force in politics. It will be able to appoint the senate, which in turn will help choose the next prime minister.
Dozens of people have been detained and charged since the military banned political activity and gatherings of more than five people in an attempt to prevent more of the frequent large scale protests seen over the years.
But an announcement on Tuesday said political parties "should be able to campaign to present their policies" so the junta had "decided to amend or abolish the laws".
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