A dinner party reportedly planned for December 19 in Bangkok’s neighbouring province of Nonthaburi by the pro-regime Palang Pracharat Party has become a focus of attention by critics who see it as a violation of the ban on political activities.

The political party, which has openly declared its support for Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha’s return as prime minister after the election, reportedly plans the dinner party as part of its fund-raising activities.

Former election commissioner Somchai Srisutthiyakorn has cried foul over the planned event and urged election officials and inspectors in Nonthaburi to probe the activity.  While not naming any specific political party, he also called on people who have received invitations to attend the party to pass on the invitation letters to him as evidence.

Somchai, who recently joined the Democrat Party, pointed out that unless political restrictions are lifted, fund-raising party is still being banned under an executive order of the National Council for Peace and Order.

Even if there is a new order from the junta to be issued before December 19 to lift political restrictions which will legitimize the fund-raising party in question, Somchai said that preparations to hold the event such as advance booking of the venue for the party, mailing of invitation cards and acceptance of down payments for the rental fees of the party venue can be considered as political activities.