Thailand Dissolves Parliament as Skirmishes With Cambodia Worsen

Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul dissolved the House of Representatives — parliament’s lower house — after obtaining approval from King Maha Vajiralongkorn.

The move comes at a difficult political moment, as Thailand is engaged in large-scale combat with Cambodia over long-disputed border claims. (Photo: Hitachi Global)

The endorsement took effect Friday with its publication in the Royal Gazette, Malek Fouda reported for the Associated Press (AP).

Anutin had signaled the move in a Facebook post late Thursday, saying, “I’d like to return power to the people.” By law, an election must be held 45 to 60 days after the royal endorsement.

During that period, Anutin will continue to lead the government in a caretaker capacity, with limited powers that do not include approving a new budget, Euronews also reported.

The move comes at a difficult political moment, as Thailand is engaged in large-scale combat with Cambodia over long-disputed border claims.

More than two dozen people were reported killed in fighting this week, while hundreds of thousands were forcibly displaced on both sides.

Anutin has held the premiership for only about three months, succeeding Paetongtarn Shinawatra, who served roughly a year in office.