The government is expected to hold discussions with political parties on further easing of political restrictions in late November or early December, said Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha on Tuesday.

He said he had assigned his deputy, Dr Wissanu Krea-ngarm, and the government’s legal team to work in details with the Election Commission about the forthcoming meeting with political parties.

As far as he is concerned, the prime minister said he is keeping himself abreast with political developments and with varying opinions from political parties and the public through official channels and the social media.

However, Gen Prayut still declined to say when he will decide whether or not to enter politics. He said he will make known his decision “at the right time”.

The prime minister noted that since most of  reporters’ questions were about politics he would avoid answering them because he thought they were not useful either to himself or to others.

Nevertheless, he insisted that he was open to public opinions – both positive and negative –  on the performance of his government although he found out that some of the negative opinions were blown out of proportion by the media.

He made clear that media criticism or negative public opinions would not have influence over his position on political restrictions as his top priority is to ensure peace and order.