Thai academic sees GE in mid-2016

Bangkok

THAILAND might not have a new general election until mid-2016, given the likelihood of a referendum to be held after the drafting of a permanent constitution is completed, a renowned Thai academic said on Sunday.

The possible referendum on the new constitution, which is expected to take shape by mid-2015, could take at least three months. Then, the reviewing of issues that arise during the referendum and modification of the draft charter would require three or four more months, Pornchai Trakulwaranont, vice-rector for administration of Thammsat University, told Xinhua.