The process includes allowing open debates among all stakeholders to make way for the public referendum and the government’s road map to democracy, said Werner Langen, chair of the Delegation for Relations with the Countries of Southeast Asia and Asean.

Langen stressed that a return to democratic structures and free and fair elections were “important conditions” for the future development of Thai-EU relations.

“Democracy would be difficult to achieve if the military regime remains on a long-term basis,” he said.

He also called on the authorities to respect and guarantee human rights and fundamental rights, especially freedom of expression, during the transitional period.

“All citizens cannot be penalised or punished for criticism,” he said. “We are also concerned about the action taken against human-rights defenders and certain rights activists.”

The European Parliament will also continue to focus on working conditions in the Thai fishery and food processing industries, he said, as well as the migrant workers situation with emphasis on fighting human trafficking. The return of the death penalty is also a point of concern, he said.

Langen went on to say that his team was not in Thailand to “preach”.

“We simply wish to spell out what conditions would be required for cooperation and agreements to be finalised,” he said.

Other than this, he said, the delegation was also focusing on Thailand’s outstanding role as a coordinator for EU-Asean relations, as the European Parliament has a great interest in building a strategic partnership with Asean and having an increased role in the region.

“Europe used to be Thailand’s second biggest foreign investment,” he said. “But agreements came to an end after the coup.”

However, he said, future economic negotiations with Thailand were possible after the referendum, “though I personally doubt very much whether things would be on the right track.

“I’m concerned that the military will not move towards free and fair elections. There is a tendency in Thailand for the military to intervene. That I think is a matter of great concern.”

Langen held a press briefing as part of the 10th EP-Thailand Interparliamentary Meeting from yesterday till tomorrow. As part of the forum, the eight-member strong delegation and the subcommittee on human rights held talks with several government agencies, civil organisations and academics.

The government agencies the delegation met were the National Legislative Assembly, the Constitution Drafting Commission as well as representatives from the Foreign, Labour and Justice ministries.

They also met former PM Yingluck Shinawatra and her predecessor Abhisit Vejjajiva on seperate occasions yesterday.

Langen said the talks held in an “open and friendly” atmosphere even though this is the delegation’s first visit to Thailand since the 2014 coup.