BANGKOK, Thailand: Thailand’s King Maha Vajiralongkorn has approved a royal decree dissolving the House of Representatives, paving the way for a general election that must be held within 45 to 60 days.
According to an official announcement in the Royal Gazette published on its website early today, the King approved the royal order after receiving a proposal from Prime Minister. Anutin Charnvirakul.
Anutin believed the dissolution of the House was necessary to allow an election to be held to choose new Members of Parliament.
In his statement to the King, Anutin explained that the government, which began its duties in September 2025, has been operating as a minority administration comprising several political parties without a majority in the House of Representatives.
He said the country faces various challenges, including economic uncertainty, social and political pressures, shifting geopolitical dynamics, and recent security tensions along the Thailand-Cambodia border.
The government has taken immediate steps to address urgent national issues, including efforts to amend the constitution, economic recovery policies, and initiatives to help communities affected by natural disasters and external shocks, he added.
Anutin also stated that a stable administration with a clear mandate is needed to ensure continuous and effective governance, whereas the current situation could affect political stability and international confidence.
“Therefore, the appropriate action is to dissolve the House of Representatives to return decision-making power to the people,” according to the decree.
The Election Commission is expected to set the polling date no sooner than 45 days and no later than 60 days after the decree takes effect.
On Thursday, Anutin posted a statement in Thai on Facebook, saying: “I return the power to the people.”
He previously said in September that he planned to dissolve Parliament by the end of January, with the general election likely to be held in March or early April.
The general election will see all 500 seats in the House of Representatives contested. – By Kenny Teng Khoon Hock/BERNAMA
