Thailand

Thai prime minister dissolve parliament to ‘return power to the people’

Thailand’s Prime Minister Anutin Charnveerakul announced the dissolution of parliament on Thursday evening via his Facebook page, saying he is “returning power to the people.” The Royal Gazette later published a royal decree formalising the dissolution, making his announcement official.

According to the decree, Prime minister Anutin claimed that his government only commanded a minority vote and faced stability and efficiency issues amid political challenges, economic uncertainties and conflicts along Thailand-Cambodia borders. Dissolving the parliament would pave way for an election and a formation of a stable government with majority votes.

Anutin’s decision came shortly after the opposition People’s Party announced plans to file a no-confidence motion. The People’s Party currently holds the largest share of seats in the lower house.

Under Thai law, a general election must be held within 45–60 days following the royal decree dissolving the House.