Thailand’s Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul announced on Thursday that he is dissolving parliament and paving the way for early elections, describing the move as “returning power to the people.”
Government spokesperson Siripong Angkasakulkiat told Reuters the decision followed a deadlock with the opposition People’s Party, Thailand’s largest parliamentary group. “This happened because we can’t go forward in parliament,” he said.
The decree was endorsed by King Maha Vajiralongkorn, as published in the Royal Gazette on Friday, meaning elections must now be held within 45 to 60 days. The political upheaval comes amid a four-day border conflict with Cambodia, which has claimed at least 20 lives and left nearly 200 wounded.
Anutin assured that the parliamentary dissolution would not affect ongoing military operations along the frontier, where clashes have erupted in more than a dozen locations, some involving heavy artillery exchanges. “I am returning power to the people,” he wrote on social media.
Anutin, Thailand’s third prime minister since August 2023, assumed office after his Bhumjaithai Party exited the ruling coalition and secured backing from the People’s Party. The opposition had demanded constitutional amendments as part of its support deal, but when these were not met, they threatened a no-confidence motion, prompting Anutin to accelerate the parliamentary dissolution.
The early elections mark a shift from Anutin’s earlier plan to dissolve parliament by the end of January and hold general elections in March or April. Political instability continues to weigh on Thailand’s economy, already challenged by US tariffs, high household debt, and weak consumption.
Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut, leader of the People’s Party, criticized Anutin’s Bhumjaithai Party for not honoring their agreement. “We have tried to use the voice of the opposition to push forward amending the constitution,” he said.
