Thailand’s Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul announced on Thursday his intention to “return power to the people” by dissolving parliament and facilitating earlier elections than many expected. This significant shift comes amidst growing tensions with the largest parliamentary faction, the opposition People’s Party, as indicated by government spokesman Siripong Angkasakulkiat.
The decision to dissolve parliament follows a period of political impasse, with Siripong emphasizing that the government could not make progress within the current parliamentary framework. The announcement occurs concurrently with a resurgence of border conflicts between Thailand and Cambodia, which have claimed at least 20 lives and resulted in nearly 200 injuries over the last four days.
Despite the ongoing clashes along the border, Anutin assured reporters that the dissolution of parliament would not affect military operations that are currently in place. Using social media, he reiterated his commitment to returning power to the populace.
Anutin, who has become Thailand’s third prime minister since August 2023, is navigating a turbulent political landscape that is impacting Southeast Asia’s second-largest economy. The country is facing various challenges, including rising U.S. tariffs, high household debt levels, and sluggish consumer spending.
Should the king consent to the prime minister’s request to dissolve parliament, elections must occur within 45 to 60 days, as stipulated in the Thai constitution. This development may pave the way for renewed political engagement and stability, representing a crucial moment for Thailand’s governance and economic recovery.