Bangkok — Thailand’s House of Representatives was dissolved Friday after the prime minister secured royal approval, clearing the way for snap elections expected early next year amid deadly clashes with Cambodia. Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul issued the dissolution order following endorsement from King Maha Vajiralongkorn; the order took effect when it was published in the Royal Gazette on Friday.
Anutin had foreshadowed the move in a late Thursday Facebook post, writing, “I’d like to return power to the people.” Under Thai law the election must be held 45 to 60 days after the royal endorsement. In the interim, Anutin will lead a caretaker government with limited powers; the administration cannot approve a new budget during that period.
The decision arrives at a sensitive moment as Thailand is engaged in large-scale fighting with Cambodia over a long-standing border dispute. Anutin has been prime minister for roughly three months, having succeeded Paetongtarn Shinawatra.
