In Thailand's First Nationwide Vote Since Coup, The Generals Hold Most Of The Cards
Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha, who ousted an elected government in 2014, is seeking to remain in power. But many analysts say the military has sought to silence opposition voices.
It's early Friday evening, at a small municipal stadium in Bangkok. The sun is going fast, but the rally for the pro-military Palang Pracharath party is just getting started.
Candidate Watchara Kannika is on the stage, warning would-be voters to keep out the "liars" and vote for "the truth." That truth, he says, is the country's coup-leader-turned prime minister, Prayuth Chan-ocha, who toppled an elected government five years ago.
Prayuth is Palang Pracharath's nominee for prime minister. And that's fine with 59-year-old Bangkok businessman Bunsong Tengkeaw, who is attending the rally.
"Since the army took over, things have been good," Bungsong says. "It's been peaceful, without
