BANGKOK: Thailand’s prime minister dissolved parliament yesterday, paving the way for general elections early next year as deadly border clashes continue with neighbour Cambodia.
The move comes earlier than expected and just three months after Anutin Charnvirakul (pic) — of the conservative Bhumjaithai party — became prime minister when his predecessor was removed from office over an ethics violation.
“The House of Representatives is dissolved to hold a new general election for members of the House,” a decree published in the Royal Gazette yesterday said.
Anutin was widely expected to wait until after Christmas to dissolve parliament.
“Since the administration is a minority government and domestic political conditions are fraught with multiple challenges, the government cannot continue administering state affairs continuously, efficiently, and with stability,” the Royal Gazette said, citing a report received from Anutin.
“Therefore, the appropriate solution is to dissolve the House of Representatives and hold a new general election.”
The dissolution comes as fighting stemming from a decades-long territorial dispute over ancient temples has flared again on the border with Cambodia, where clashes have killed at least 20 people and displaced around 600,000, mostly in Thailand.
Under Thai law, elections must be held between 45 and 60 days after parliament is dissolved, meaning polls are expected around the end of January or early February.
Anutin said in a Facebook post late Thursday he “would like to return power to the people”, a signal in the kingdom that a prime minister intends to dissolve parliament.
His coalition backer, the People’s Party, said Thursday it would submit a motion of no-confidence in Anutin, claiming Bhumjaithai broke its agreement during a crucial vote on constitutional amendments.
“They said they wouldn’t support me anymore. They asked me to dissolve the house. I just followed their request,” Anutin told reporters yesterday outside the Government House.
The cannabis-championing conservative took power in September with coalition backing conditional on dissolving parliament, becoming the kingdom’s third leader in two years. – AFP
