Ban on political activity to remain for now, Prayut says

"It is not yet the right time,” he said. “Have politicians improved themselves? What parties have not changed?’’
Politicians who spread messages via social media still insist they are correct, Prayut said, adding that “they will not stop”.
“I do not see them as the enemy, otherwise I would have punished them, but they did not appreciate how I treated them, just insisted they were right without thinking of the rule of law,’’ he said.
The prime minister also denied that he decided to lift the travel ban on some politicians and activists because of pressure from the international community’s recent criticism of human rights in Thailand. The move was also not related to the public referendum on the charter draft in August, he said.
“No one can pressure me. I do it for Thai people and Thailand. Everyone wants me to relax regulations, so I responded to the call,’’ he said.
The travel ban was only partly lifted, as politicians who are face ongoing trials cannot leave the country.
Prayut added that he could not guarantee that corrupt politicians would not flee the country under his regime.