Thai election officials bar the door to buccaneer activist

BANGKOK (AP) — A publicity-savvy activist in Thailand seeking to run in an upcoming election has learned one of the unwritten rules of his country's politics: pirates need not apply.

Sombat Boonngamanong, who recently established his own party, sought to attend a meeting of the state Election Commission where the rules for the polls were being explained, but was barred because he was wearing orange construction overalls and a pirate's hat with skull and crossbones.

He said his attire was a reference to so-called pirate parties that originated in Europe and promote freedom of expression and civil liberties. He said he donned construction clothing because, after four years of military rule, Thailand needed repairing.

Thailand has been under military rule since a coup in 2014 ousted an elected government.