Thailand PM moves to dissolve parliament, paving way for election

"Thailand's Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has announced that he is returning power to the people, moving to dissolve parliament and opening the door to elections earlier than previously planned. Anutin has submitted a request for the dissolution of parliament to the king, local media reported on Thursday. If the monarch approves the dissolution, elections must be held within 45-60 days, according to the Thai constitution."

"The political rupture comes as Thailand faces a fourth consecutive day of heavy fighting with Cambodia along their shared border. At least 20 people have been killed and nearly 200 wounded in clashes across more than a dozen locations, some involving artillery exchanges. Anutin insisted the dissolution would not disrupt security operations. Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, he said military deployments along the border would continue uninterrupted. He later repeated his stance on social media: I am returning power to the people."

"Anutin, Thailand's third prime minister since August 2023, has struggled to stabilise an economy hampered by high household debt, sluggish consumption and pressure from United States tariffs. Political uncertainty has added to the strain on Southeast Asia's second-largest economy. Anutin had initially said he planned to dissolve parliament by the end of January, with elections scheduled for March or early April."

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has submitted a request to the king to dissolve parliament and call early elections, potentially within 45–60 days if approved. The dissolution follows a legislative impasse with the opposition People's Party that has paralysed the government's agenda. Clashes with Cambodia along the shared border have entered a fourth day, leaving at least 20 dead and nearly 200 wounded in multiple locations, including artillery exchanges. Anutin said military deployments along the border will continue uninterrupted and stated he is returning power to the people. Economic challenges include high household debt, sluggish consumption and pressure from US tariffs.

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