Thailand’s Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has asked the king to dissolve parliament, saying he is “returning power to the people” and opening the door to early elections if the monarch agrees. The move follows a legislative deadlock with the opposition People’s Party that has stalled the government’s agenda. It comes amid a fourth day of heavy fighting with Cambodia along the border, with at least 20 dead and nearly 200 wounded; Anutin said security operations would continue uninterrupted.
Thailand PM Asks King To Dissolve Parliament, Clears Way For Early Election Amid Border Clashes
Thailand's Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul speaks during an Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) meeting on October 30, 2025 [File: Anthony Wallace/AFP]
Thailand’s Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has formally asked the king to dissolve parliament, saying he is "returning power to the people" and paving the way for national elections earlier than planned.
What Happened
Local media reported that Anutin submitted a formal petition to the monarch on Thursday. If the king approves the request, the constitution requires a general election to be held within 45–60 days.
Political Impasse
Government spokesman Siripong Angkasakulkiat told Reuters the move followed a dispute with the opposition People’s Party, the largest bloc in the legislature. Siripong described a legislative deadlock that has stalled the government’s agenda:
“This happened because we can’t go forward in parliament.”
Border Violence
The announcement comes as heavy fighting with Cambodia entered a fourth consecutive day. Officials report at least 20 people killed and nearly 200 wounded in clashes across more than a dozen locations, including incidents involving artillery exchanges. Anutin stressed that dissolving parliament would not affect security operations, and said troop deployments along the border would continue without interruption.
Political Context And Economic Pressure
Anutin, who became Thailand’s third prime minister since August 2023, rose to power after his Bhumjaithai Party left the previous coalition and then struck a new deal with the People’s Party. That agreement reportedly included several demands—most notably a referendum on constitutional reform—in exchange for parliamentary support. Government officials say the coalition fractured when those demands were not met, and the People’s Party threatened a no-confidence motion.
The prime minister has also faced economic challenges: high household debt, sluggish consumer spending and pressure from US tariffs have weighed on the recovery of Southeast Asia’s second-largest economy, and political uncertainty has added to those strains.
Next Steps
If the monarch grants the dissolution, authorities must schedule elections within the 45–60 day constitutional window. Observers say an early vote would aim to break the current parliamentary deadlock, though it comes at a time of heightened border tensions and economic fragility.
Sources: Reuters reporting and local Thai media.
