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Key Points
- Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has requested to dissolve parliament and hold early elections.
- The move follows a disagreement with the opposition People’s Party, which threatened a no-confidence motion.
- The dissolution will accelerate the election timeline, bringing polls earlier than the expected March–April window.
The ongoing political upheaval coincides with the fourth day of a severe border clash between Thailand and Cambodia, which has resulted in at least 20 fatalities and nearly 200 injuries.
“I am returning power to the people,” Anutin declared on social media late Thursday.
Should the king approve the prime minister’s request to dissolve parliament, the Thai constitution mandates that elections must be conducted within 45 to 60 days.
Anutin ascended to power by withdrawing his Bhumjaithai party from an existing ruling coalition and garnering support from the People’s Party. This alliance was contingent upon several conditions, including holding a referendum on constitutional amendments, as part of their agreement to back him.
Anutin took power after pulling his Bhumjaithai party out of a ruling coalition and securing the backing of the People’s Party, which put forward a number of demands — including a referendum on constitutional amendments — as part of a deal to support him.
