Thailand set for early elections as PM dissolves parliament

Thailand's prime minister announced he was dissolving parliament and "returning power to the people" as he moved to head off a no-confidence vote. A general election must be held between 45 and 60 days.

Thailand's Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul received royal permission Friday to dissolve Parliament, paving the way for general elections to be held early next year. 

"I'd like to return power to the people," he said in a one-line post on Facebook. "The House of Representatives dissolved to hold a new general election for members of the House," read a royal decree.

Thai PM says decision to dissolve parliament will not impact border crisis management

The move to call for fresh elections comes at a delicate time for the country as Thai and Cambodian troops continue to fight along their contested border.

Multiple people have been killed on both sides of the border since the latest skirmishes began earlier this week.

Hundreds of thousands of people have been displaced on both sides as well.

Anutin said his decision to dissolve Parliament will not affect the management of theongoing conflict.

Thailand headed for early elections

Under Thai law, elections for the 500-member House of Representatives must be held between 45 and 60 days after the dissolution of the house.

Anutin will lead a caretaker government during this time with limited powers. 

Why did Anutin dissolve parliament?

Anutin, a member of the conservative Bhumjaithai Party, came to power in September after his predecessor was removed from office for ethics violations.

Anutin was elected with the support of the People's Party, which is the largest opposition bloc in the Thai parliament.

Anutin cut a deal with the People's Party to win their backing in a parliamentary vote in September.

In the deal, Anutin was set to dissolve parliament within four months of being sworn in, hold a referendum on amending the constitution, and take steps to resolve the border dispute.

Anutin and his Bhumjaithai Party have faced strong criticism since late November over mishandling the flooding situation in southern Thailand.

The opposition has floated the possibility of submitting a non-confidence motion against Anutin's government ahead of a new parliamentary session due to begin on Friday, according to Nikkei Asia, the Japanese news agency.

Domestic affairs 'fraught' with multiple challenges, says royal gazette

"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," said the Royal Gazette, citing a report from Anutin.

"Therefore, the appropriate solution is to dissolve the House of Representatives and hold a new general election," it said. 

Edited by: Roshni Majumdar