BANGKOK — Thailand’s political landscape entered a period of heightened uncertainty Friday as Parliament was officially dissolved, triggering snap elections scheduled for early next year. The dissolution comes amid escalating military confrontations with neighboring Cambodia over longstanding border disputes.
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul secured royal approval from King Maha Vajiralongkorn before announcing the dissolution, which took effect upon its publication in the Royal Gazette. The move follows Anutin’s social media statement late Thursday declaring his intention to “return power to the people.”
Under constitutional provisions, elections must occur within 45 to 60 days following royal endorsement. During this interim period, Anutin will lead a caretaker administration with restricted authority, including the inability to approve new budgetary measures.
The dissolution occurs during a particularly complex geopolitical moment, with Thailand engaged in intensive combat operations along the Cambodian border. The timing reflects both domestic political pressures and external security challenges that have defined Anutin’s brief three-month tenure as premier.
Political analysts suggest the dissolution was precipitated by deteriorating relations with the opposition People’s Party, which had threatened a no-confidence vote. This development followed disagreements over constitutional amendment procedures that opposition leaders believed violated their September power-sharing agreement.
Anutin’s administration has adopted an increasingly hawkish military stance regarding the border conflict, positioning itself as defending national sovereignty against Cambodian incursions. This nationalist rhetoric has temporarily overshadowed domestic criticisms regarding the government’s handling of recent southern flooding that claimed over 160 lives and ongoing corruption scandals.
The renewed fighting has resulted in approximately two dozen confirmed casualties this week alone, with hundreds of thousands displaced on both sides. Thai military sources estimate 165 Cambodian combat fatalities, though Phnom Penh has not officially confirmed these numbers.
International attention has intensified, with former U.S. President Donald Trump reportedly engaging in diplomatic outreach. Anutin confirmed Friday that he had communicated with Trump, reiterating Thailand’s position of continuing military operations until Cambodian forces no longer threaten Thai sovereignty.