Thailand’s Prime Minister Receives Royal Approval to Dissolve Parliament

BANGKOK, Thailand (Journos News) – Thailand’s Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has received royal authorization to dissolve Parliament, paving the way for general elections early next year. The decision comes as the country navigates ongoing border clashes with Cambodia and internal political disputes.

Under Thai law, the House of Representatives election must occur 45 to 60 days after the issuance of the Royal Decree. During this period, Anutin will lead a caretaker government with limited powers, including a temporary restriction on approving new budgets.

Anutin, who assumed office three months ago, posted on Facebook Thursday evening, “I’d like to return power to the people,” signaling his intention to step down in favor of an electoral mandate.

Political and Military Context

The parliamentary dissolution occurs amid heightened tensions along Thailand’s eastern border. Recent clashes with Cambodia have resulted in approximately two dozen fatalities and displaced hundreds of thousands on both sides. The violence marks one of the most serious outbreaks along the disputed frontier in recent years.

Anutin succeeded Paetongtarn Shinawatra, who held office for just one year. He secured the prime ministership in September with backing from the main opposition party, the People’s Party, which agreed to support him in exchange for a commitment to dissolve Parliament within four months and hold a referendum on drafting a new constitution.

Constitutional Dispute Sparks Dissolution

The move to dissolve Parliament was partly triggered by disagreements over constitutional reforms. The People’s Party had threatened a non-confidence vote after Anutin’s Bhumjathai Party supported retaining one-third of Senate votes to amend the constitution. The issue of constitutional reform remains a contentious point in Thai politics, with the opposition advocating for more democratic provisions under the constitution imposed during the previous military government.

Anutin previously served in Paetongtarn’s cabinet but resigned amid a political scandal linked to the Cambodia border conflict. Paetongtarn, daughter of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, was removed from office following an ethics violation tied to a phone call with Cambodia’s Senate President Hun Sen prior to the July clashes.

Outlook for New Government

The People’s Party has indicated it will continue as part of the opposition, suggesting that the next government may face challenges forming a stable majority. With elections on the horizon, Thailand’s political landscape remains uncertain as parties navigate both domestic and regional pressures.

The early elections represent a test for Anutin and Thailand’s political system, as lawmakers, parties, and citizens weigh constitutional reforms and broader governance reforms against the backdrop of a volatile border situation.