The Prime Minister of Thailand initiates the dissolution of parliament, paving the way for elections.

Thailand’s Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said on Thursday his intention to “return power to the people,” initiating the dissolution of parliament and facilitating elections sooner than originally expected.

Government spokesperson Siripong Angkasakulkiat informed Reuters that the action was prompted by a dispute with the predominant faction in parliament, the opposition People’s Party.

“This occurred due to our inability to progress in parliament,” he said Reuters.

The political unrest coincides with a fourth day of intense border violence between Thailand and Cambodia, resulting in at least 20 fatalities and nearly 200 injuries.

Anutin informed reporters on Wednesday that the dissolution of parliament will not affect Thailand’s military activities near the border, where confrontations have occurred at over a dozen sites, some involving intense artillery exchanges.

Anutin declared on social media late Thursday, “I am restoring power to the populace.”

He is the third prime minister of Thailand since August 2023, and political uncertainty is adversely affecting Southeast Asia’s second-largest economy, which is contending with US tariffs, elevated household debt, and subdued spending.

Should the monarch sanction the prime minister’s request for the dissolution of parliament, elections must occur within 45 to 60 days, as stipulated by the Thai constitution.

EXPEDITED SCHEDULE FOR ELECTIONS

In September, Anutin indicated his intention to dissolve parliament by the end of January, with a general election scheduled for March or early April; nevertheless, this action might expedite that timeframe.

Anutin assumed power by withdrawing his Bhumjaithai party from the ruling coalition and obtaining the endorsement of the People’s Party, which presented several stipulations, including a referendum on constitutional reforms, as a condition for their support.

Siripong stated, “When the People’s Party was unable to achieve their objectives, they announced their intention to submit a no-confidence motion and urged the Prime Minister to promptly dissolve parliament.”

Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut, leader of the People’s Party, informed reporters late Thursday that the Bhumjaithai party failed to adhere to the stipulations of their agreement.

“We have endeavored to utilize the opposition’s voice to advance constitutional amendments,” he stated.