Pro-election activists are ratcheting up pressure on the regime after setting a clear timetable for rallies to continue until at least May and challenging politicians to choose between the people and the military.
Leaders of various groups demanding that the general election be held this year outlined their position at a briefing at Thammasat University yesterday.
Sirawith "Ja New" Seritiwat of the New Democracy Group began the meeting by reminding attendees of their goals.
"What we ask for is nothing new," he said. "It's the basic right that we have been deprived of by the coupmakers for four years.
"We want an election so we can have a say in the country's future.
"It's time for people to exercise their rights to decide their own fate and future instead of following the directions set by the 'Five Rivers', which only benefit their cronies. They must stop delaying the election and power succession. The polls must be held this year."
The Five Rivers is a term referring to the five core organisations running the country that came into being after the May 2014 coup. They are the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO), the cabinet, the National Legislative Assembly (NLA), the Constitution Drafting Committee (CDC), and the now-dissolved National Reform Council.
The prospects of a November election, which had been promised by Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, appear increasingly remote due to the enforcement of an organic bill governing the election of MPs being extended by 90 days, which effectively puts the poll off until February 2019 at the earliest.
Rangsiman Rome of the Democracy Restoration Group said the people need to stand up. "We have tried different ways but the powers-that-be refused to step down," he said at the Thammasat gathering.
"We believe the only way to accomplish our goals is for people to show their strength so the NCPO realises who really has the power."
Mr Rangsiman said the next gathering of activists will take place at Lan Ya Mo, in front of Thao Suranaree Monument in Nakhon Ratchasima, at 5pm today, followed by a rally at the Tha Phra Chan campus of Thammasat University at 3pm on Saturday.
Big events are also planned for March 10 and 14, he said.
There will be no activities in April but in May the groups plan to gather every Saturday, and will hold a non-stop rally from May 19-22.
"We may stay on until power is returned to the people," Mr Rangsiman said. "This is the roadmap of the people, and it is clearer than the NCPO's."
"Thais are ready to cast their ballots. The ones who are not ready are the NCPO. Nobody wants to assemble and risk being put in jail. We only ask them to keep their word.
"For years, Thailand has been mired in conflicts, but that doesn't mean we must leave their legacy to our children."
Mr Rangsiman appealed to all groups to join the campaign, including politicians.
"It doesn't matter what [political] colour you are," he said, referring the red shirt/yellow short divide which has riven Thai politics over the past decade.
"We also invite all politicians to join the people's fight. We're colourless. All we ask is that you make up your mind whose side you're on -- the military or the people?
"I ask that question in particular to Abhisit Vejjajiva, Suthep Thaugsuban and Korn Chatikavanij [of the Democrat Party]. Are you ready to join us?"
NCPO spokesman Piyapong Klinpan yesterday said they will not let anyone incite unrest. He denied that authorities were bullying the activists and restricting their rights by taking legal action against them for defying the NCPO ban on political gatherings.
''When people break the law, they must know what consequences will follow,'' the NCPO spokesman said.
