Bangkok — Thailand’s parliament was dissolved Friday to pave the way for snap elections early next year as the country fights deadly clashes with Cambodia. Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul dissolved the House of Representatives after securing approval from King Maha Vajiralongkorn; the order took effect when it was published in the Royal Gazette on Friday.
Anutin had signaled the move in a late Thursday Facebook post, saying, “I’d like to return power to the people.”
By law the election must be held 45 to 60 days after the royal endorsement. During that period Anutin will lead a caretaker government with limited powers; it cannot approve a new budget. The decision comes at a sensitive time as Thailand engages in large-scale combat with Cambodia over a long-standing border dispute. Anutin has been prime minister for about three months, succeeding Paetongtarn Shinawatra.
