Critics see the meeting between Prime Minister Gen. Prayuth Chan-ocha and a popular girl band along with the introduction of free FIFA World Cup viewing as the government’s attempt to reach out to younger voters for next year’s election. As Thailand gears up for an election next February, there are increasing signs that the ruling junta is preparing to push for General Prayut Chan-o-cha to continue serving as prime minister. After a demonstration featuring over 300 democracy activists at the army headquarters in Bangkok in late March, Prayut again raised the prospect of further delays. Smaller protests since confirm what many Thai voters and watchers already knew – a February poll date should only be penciled in on calendars, writes Erin Cook for The Diplomat.