Bangkok: Thai King Maha Vajiralongkorn dissolved the parliament on Friday at the request of Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, setting the stage for snap elections. The decision comes as the country faces increasing challenges, including political instability and border conflicts.
According to Anadolu Agency, the royal decree was issued after Anutin formally requested fresh elections to be held within 45 to 60 days. The current parliament was established following the general election in May 2023, but the administration has been struggling since forming a minority coalition in September 2025. The government has faced mounting political, economic, and geopolitical challenges, including ongoing tensions along the Thai-Cambodian border.
Anutin, leader of the conservative Bhumjaithai party, became Thailand's 32nd prime minister with the support of the People's Party, defeating Chaikasem Nitisiri from the ruling Pheu Thai party in September. He succeeded Paetongtarn Shinawatra, who was in office for only a year. Anutin recently announced his intention to "return power to the people," prompting the call for new elections.
The dissolution of parliament coincides with recent border clashes with Cambodia, which have resulted in at least 22 fatalities this week. The conflict has led to injuries and displaced hundreds of thousands on both sides. Cambodian Defense Ministry spokesperson Lt. Gen. Maly Socheata accused Thai forces of firing artillery and machine guns near the border, alleging that soldiers also entered Cambodian territory and endangered cultural heritage sites and civilian populations.
The Royal Thai Army denied these allegations, asserting that they do not target civilians and claiming that the accusations are an attempt to garner international attention through misinformation. Army spokesperson Maj. Gen. Winthai Suvaree stated on the social media platform X that the Thai military's actions are limited to military targets and suggested that civilian casualties could only occur if Cambodia deliberately places civilians in harm's way.
Despite a peace deal signed in October in Kuala Lumpur, facilitated by US President Donald Trump and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, the two countries continue to experience border disputes. These disputes have previously led to clashes, including a deadly encounter in July that resulted in 48 deaths. Additionally, 18 Cambodian soldiers remain in Thai custody from incidents over the past five months. The ongoing conflict has led to the closure of the land border since July, affecting cross-border movement and trade.