The next national vote is expected to take place in 2017, according to the post-coup “road map” for a return to democracy set by the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO). However, busy schedules involving state and royal functions following the death of King Bhumibol Adulyadej may result in the general election being put off until 2018.

The late King’s cremation ceremony is expected to be held after a year of government mourning, starting on October 13. And the coronation of the new monarch, His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn, will take place after that.

The new charter – the 20th since Thailand became a constitutional monarchy in 1932 – is set to be promulgated early in the new year. The draft constitution was endorsed in the national referendum on August 7 and revisions were made in accordance with the vote result on the additional question allowing appointed senators to select prime minister for the next five years.

That revised clause is expected to pave the way for an “outsider”, someone who is not from any political party or an MP, to become the next government head. However, key figures in the ruling junta have ruled out the possibility of them returning to power after the next election.

The Constitution Drafting Commission (CDC) is writing four organic laws required before the next national vote – ones on political parties, the Election Commission, the election of members of Parliament and the appointment of senators.

With the NCPO’s help, the post-coup administration led by General Prayut Chan-o-cha has managed to restrict pressure from different groups of politicians and activists. This is due to the rules and orders issued by Prayut, as the NCPO chief, under special powers handed to him by the post-coup interim charter. As a result, political activities and dissent have been limited.

Prayut also issued rules and orders to remove certain senior bureaucrats and revise the existing laws and regulations to make way for the implementation of his government’s policies.

The administration has earned much praises for keeping peace for more than 18 months after seizing government control in May 2014 following a period of unrest toward the end of the previous administration. The coup-makers have fulfilled their promise of returning peace and order to the country.

However, the government is feeling the heat with increasing pressure from both inside and outside of the country over different issues, ranging from the everyday running of the country to human rights. The longer it stays in power, the more pressure it will facing from all sides. Criticisms have increased over the still-rising high cost of living in the country and tougher state controls on areas other than politics, such as social media and mainstream media.

After having been in power for more than two years, the post-coup government may this year be faced with questions as to whether it is overstaying its welcome.