Thailand Dissolves Parliament, Elections in 45-60 Days

Thailand's Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has dissolved the House of Representatives, effective immediately following a royal decree, setting the stage for general elections within 45 to 60 days. The unexpected move, announced on December 11, comes just three months after Anutin took office and amid escalating border clashes with Cambodia that have killed at least 20 people and injured nearly 200 others.

The dissolution was formalized through a decree published in the Royal Gazette, which stated that the House is being dissolved to hold a new general election for its members. Anutin, leader of the conservative Bhumjaithai Party, submitted the request to the king, a step required under the Thai constitution. Government officials cited a legislative impasse with the opposition People's Party, the largest bloc in parliament, as a key factor. "This happened because we can't go forward in parliament," said government spokesman Siripong Angkasakulkiat, describing how the deadlock has paralyzed the government's agenda.

Anutin became prime minister in September after his predecessor was removed by the court over an ethics violation. Initially, he pledged to dissolve the lower house...